Tuberculosis (Tb) vectors are animals that can transmit the disease to other animals. It is estimated that about 90% of Tb infections in cattle and deer are caused by Tb vectors.
Tuberculosis vectors are mainly the following animals:
Possums
- Are very susceptible to the disease
- Are very contagious once infected
- When sick their behaviour changes and increases the chance of coming in contact with livestock as they tend to move through open ground during daylight hours and show slower reflexes.
- Cause the majority of Tb infections in herds
- Maintain Tb within their own populations
Ferrets
- Contact Tb from scavenging infected carcasses
- May spread Tb to herds
Feral deer
- At high density may maintain Tb within feral population.
- No evidence to indicate need for control at present
Feral pigs
- Contract Tb primarily through scavenging infected carcasses
- Pigs contract Tb readily and can maintain the disease over long periods without undue health problems, therefore they can be a problem, especially if released in Tb free areas
Feral cats and hedgehogs
- Contract Tb primarily through scavenging infected carcasses. They are known as dead end hosts as they will not maintain the disease