Bovine Tuberculosis in Britain and Ireland – A Perfect Storm? the Confluence of Potential Ecological and Epidemiological Impediments to Controlling a Chronic Infectious Disease
Date
2018-06-05
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Frontiers Media
Abstract
Successful eradication schemes for bovine tuberculosis (bTB) have been implemented
in a number of European and other countries over the last 50 years. However, the
islands of Britain and Ireland remain a significant aberration to this trend, with the recent
exception of Scotland. Why have eradication schemes failed within these countries, while
apparently similar programs have been successful elsewhere? While significant socioeconomic and political factors have been discussed elsewhere as key determinants of
disease eradication, here we review some of the potential ecological and epidemiological
constraints that are present in these islands relative to other parts of Europe. We argue
that the convergence of these potential factors may interact additively to diminish the
potential of the present control programs to achieve eradication. Issues identified include
heterogeneity of diagnostic testing approaches, the presence of an abundant wildlife
reservoir of infection and the challenge of sustainably managing this risk effectively;
the nature, size, density and network structure of cattle farming; potential effects of
Mycobacterium bovis strain heterogeneity on disease transmission dynamics; possible
impacts of concurrent endemic infections on the disclosure of truly infected animals;
climatological differences and change coupled with environmental contamination. We
further argue that control and eradication of this complex disease may benefit from an
ecosystem level approach to management. We hope that this perspective can stimulate a
new conversation about the many factors potentially impacting bTB eradication schemes
in Britain and Ireland and possibly stimulate new research in the areas identified.
Description
Publication history: Accepted - 3 May 2018; Published online - 5 June 2018
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Keywords
Mycobacterium bovis, Britain and Ireland, eradication, persistence, epidemiology
Citation
Allen, A. R., Skuce, R. A. and Byrne, A. W. (2018) ‘Bovine Tuberculosis in Britain and Ireland – A Perfect Storm? the Confluence of Potential Ecological and Epidemiological Impediments to Controlling a Chronic Infectious Disease’, Frontiers in Veterinary Science. Frontiers Media SA, 5. doi: 10.3389/fvets.2018.00109.