Estimating the seroprevalence of Mycobacterium bovis infection in a wild deer population in southwest England.

Wild deer in southwest England show high M. bovis seroprevalence, presenting significant transmission risk to cattle.

This serological survey investigated Mycobacterium bovis infection prevalence in wild deer populations in southwest England, a bovine tuberculosis (bTB) endemic region. Researchers collected blood samples postmortem from 432 wild deer (predominantly red deer at 80.3%) shot during routine population controls in the Exmoor area over 12 months. Sixty-nine animals tested seropositive (16.0%), with estimated true seroprevalence of 27.4% (95% CI: 19.9%-36.3%) after accounting for diagnostic test imperfection. Prevalence showed no significant differences between sexes or species, though younger animals had fewer positive results. The study's convenience sampling methodology introduces potential bias. The estimated seroprevalence represents one of the highest reported in wild deer worldwide, highlighting the significant role this population may play in M. bovis transmission dynamics. The authors emphasize interpreting these findings within broader ecological, epidemiological, and pathological contexts to assess cattle-to-wildlife transmission risks and inform disease management strategies in endemic regions.

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