Long-Term Determinants of Tuberculosis in the Ungulate Host Community of Doñana National Park

A 14-year study (2006–2018) of tuberculosis (TB) in Doñana National Park revealed that wild boar, red deer, fallow deer, and cattle exhibit distinct TB prevalence patterns influenced by host density, rainfall, and ecological interactions. Wild boar showed the highest TB prevalence (76.7%), with sows acting as key drivers of transmission among young individuals within maternal groups. Rainfall significantly increased TB risk in male red deer, likely due to sex-related susceptibility or exposure differences. Fallow deer and cattle shared a positive association, suggesting interspecies transmission or overlapping risk factors. The study highlights that effective TB control requires integrated strategies targeting all host species, population dynamics, environmental exposure, and livestock management.

Barroso, P., Barasona, J. A., Acevedo, P., Palencia, P., Carro, F., Negro, J. J., Torres, M. J., Gortázar, C., Soriguer, R. C., & Vicente, J. (2020). Long-Term Determinants of Tuberculosis in the Ungulate Host Community of Doñana National Park. Pathogens, 9(6), 445. https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens9060445