In a case study spanning five years, tuberculosis infections caused by Mycobacterium pinnipedii were identified in a range of animals—including a South American sea lion, a Bactrian camel, and Malayan tapirs—housed in two different zoological gardens. The two facilities were found to be interconnected by the transfer of a tapir, suggesting the potential for disease transmission between locations.
Mycobacterium pinnipedii is a member of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex and is primarily associated with tuberculosis in seals and other marine mammals. However, it has also been identified as a zoonotic pathogen capable of infecting a broader range of mammalian hosts.
According to researchers, conventional bacteriological and molecular techniques were used to confirm the presence of M. pinnipedii in the affected animals. These diagnostics included culture-based methods and genetic sequencing to precisely identify the strain responsible for the infections. The detection of identical or closely related bacterial strains across both zoological sites further supports the hypothesis of disease spread linked to inter-zoo animal transfer.
This case series highlights the significant challenges of managing infectious diseases in captive wildlife populations, particularly for pathogens with broad host ranges and potential for cross-species transmission. It underscores the importance of stringent animal health surveillance, quarantine procedures, and molecular diagnostics in zoological practices.
The report adds to the growing body of literature on tuberculosis in non-traditional hosts and raises considerations for biosecurity measures when relocating animals across facilities. The findings also reinforce the relevance of a One Health approach, integrating animal, human, and environmental health to prevent and control disease outbreaks in shared ecosystems.
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