A small-scale investigation in France has discovered that foxes could play a larger role in the spread of bovine TB than previously thought.

The study, “Mycobacterium bovis Infection of Red Fox, France”, conducted in the Dordogne, a TB-endemic area in France, found that of six foxes captured for testing, all tested positive for the presence of a specific TB agent, mycobacterium bovis (m. bovis) through faecal excretion.

In addition, four tested positive for molecular traces of m. bovis and one fox in the group also tested positive for oropharyngeal swab and urine samples, suggesting m. bovis excretion through several routes.

The report stated that, strikingly, animals did not display TB-like visible lesions.

The number of routes of shedding displayed by the foxes in the case study of the tuberculous bacillus, means that the fox could be categorised as a “super-shedder”.

Spread of disease

Super-shedders are believed to be responsible for a disproportionate spread and transmission of the m. bovis.

The study suggests that more research should be conducted to ascertain the full role of the fox in the spread of bovine TB.

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