Farm management practices and host species richness associated with higher likelihood of tuberculosis positive farms in Western Spain

• DOI: 10.1007/s10344-024-01833-z
• Publication Date: 2024-07-19T10:01:37Z
• Authors: Gloria Herrero-Ga...; Rita Vaz-Rodrigues; Pilar Pozo; Patricia Barroso; David Relimpio; Jesús Nácar; Anna Grau; Olga Mínguez; Alberto García-Ro...; Ana Balseiro; Christian Gortázar
• Keywords: Meles; Capreolus; Biosecurity; Wild boar

Abstract Despite enormous efforts, complete animal tuberculosis (TB) eradication has only been achieved in few regions. Epidemiological analyses are key to identify TB risk factors and set up targeted biosecurity measures. Here, we conducted an in-depth characterization of 84 extensive beef cattle farms from a high prevalence region Western Spain, assessed how farm management wildlife presence on contribute risk. Twenty-six out variables were associated with positivity. Farm positivity included older cattle, larger herd size, highly fragmented structure greater connectivity between farms. TB-positive provided supplemental feed over higher number months, used calf feeders, had waterholes. Detecting Eurasian wild boar ( Sus scrofa ), red fox Vulpes vulpes European badger Meles meles roe deer Capreolus capreolus or Egyptian mongoose Herpestes ichneumon ) was also The best ordinal regression model indicated that large size (> 167 animals) the odds being positive recurrently (versus negative) 7.34 (95% CI = 2.43–23.51) times small size. Further, for every additional host species detected premises, increased 56%. We conclude both need be successful control grazing-based farming systems.