Patterns of Cattle Farm Visitation by White‐Tailed Deer in Relation to Risk of Disease Transmission in a Previously Infected Area with Bovine Tuberculosis in Minnesota,USA

The main objective of this study was to characterize spatial patterns of white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) movement related to bovine tuberculosis (bTB) transmission risk to cattle in north‐western Minnesota. Twenty‐one adult deer (16 females and 5 males) were captured during winter (January–March) 2011 in areas adjacent to where an outbreak (2005–2009) of bTB occurred in deer and cattle. Deer were fitted with GPS collars programmed to collect deer location information every 90 min over a 15‐month period. The exact locations of cattle, cattle feeding areas, and stored forage that were available to collared deer were assessed seasonally. In total, 47% (n = 9) of collared deer survived to the end of the study. Causes of mortality included wolves (n = 6), hunters (n = 1) and unknown (n = 2); additionally, 2 deer were censored due to collar malfunctions. Our results indicated that 5 deer (25%) had home ranges that included 6 cattle farms (20%). Most (77%) of the deer visits occurred in areas where cattle were present, with most visits (60%) from 00:00 to 06:00. March to May revealed the most farm visitations by deer (37%). This study provided baseline information regarding cattle–deer interactions critical to transmission of bTB in this region and suggested that risk mitigation practices should be implemented to separate wildlife and domestic livestock when feasible.     

Spatial‐temporal Variations of Bovine Tuberculosis Incidence in France between 1965 and 2000

We analysed the spatiotemporal variations of bovine tuberculosis (bTB) incidence between 1965 and 2000 in France at the department level (95 areas). Using a Bayesian space–time model, we studied the association between the evolution of bTB incidence and changes of cattle population structure and of herd management practices. Several spatiotemporal hierarchical Bayesian models were compared, and the deviance information criterion was used to select the best of them. Southern France remained a high‐risk area over the analysed period, whereas central and western regions were low‐risk areas. Besides the frequency of tuberculin skin testing (fixed according to bTB incidence in the preceding years), four factors were associated with an increased risk of bTB: the average herd density and size, the percentage of dairy cows in the cattle population, and the percentage of permanent grassland in cultivated surfaces area. These four factors are linked to the progressive professionalization and specialization of cattle farming, with the disappearance of family farms and of the intensification of breeding systems (especially in dairy farms after the application of the milk quota system in the 1980s). Both trends probably played a significant role in reducing the risk of bTB in France between 1965 and 2000, besides mandatory detection and control procedures.     

Prevalence of Bovine Tuberculosis in Egyptian Cattle and the Standardization of the Interferon‐gamma Assay as an Ancillary Test

Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) caused primarily by Mycobacterium bovis continues to cause significant losses in the cattle industry and is a major public health problem. Despite its worldwide application, the IFN‐γ assay has not been applied in Egypt. The aim of this study was to determine the appropriate cut‐off value of IFN‐γ assay to complement the skin test screening in Egypt. The relative sensitivity (Se_r) of PPD and antigen cocktail‐based IFN‐γ assays (IFN‐γ‐BA and IFN‐γ‐EC) was analysed retrospectively, relative to bTB confirmatory tests (culture and PCR), using single cervical tuberculin (SCT) test reactors during 2011–2013. The absolute specificity (Sp) was studied using blood samples collected from cattle from one bTB‐free herd. Analysis of the bTB database‐generated sheets indicates the infection rate had decreased from 2009 to 2012 and then increased in 2013. The disease is concentrated in the Egyptian Nile Delta and Valley relative to elsewhere in the country. The cut‐offs for IFN‐γ‐EC assay could be optimized to provide higher sensitivity, comparable to cut‐offs for IFN‐γ‐BA assay. Data analysis suggests (PPDb_OD > 0.1, PPDb_OD − NIL_OD > 0.05 and PPDb_OD > PPDa_OD) and (EC_OD − NIL_OD ≥ 0.1) cut‐off strategies to get optimal IFN‐γ‐BA and IFN‐γ‐EC assays results respectively. To our knowledge, this is the first report describing the prevalence of bTB in cattle in Egypt and pointing out the appropriate cut‐off criteria to optimize IFN‐γ assay as a routine ancillary test for diagnosis of bTB in Egypt.     

Detection of Bovine Papillomavirus Types,Co‐Infection and a Putative New BPV11 Subtype in Cattle

The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of different types of Bovine papillomavirus (BPV) in cattle skin lesions and to identify new viral types in Brazil. A total of 72 skin lesions were analysed from 66 different bovines by PCR using degenerate and specific primers, and subsequent sequencing. Sequencing quality was determined using Staden package with Phred 30. Similarity analysis was performed with BioEdit and BLAST programs to verify the identity with known BPV types. Phylogenetic analysis was carried out using Maximum Likelihood method with TIM3 + G as nucleotide substitution model in PAUP*, and 1000 non‐parametric bootstrap replicates. Analyses revealed the presence of ten different types of BPV in the samples, with the exception of BPV7. The presence of co‐infections was very high as almost all samples (89%) were co‐infected. A putative new BPV11 subtype was also found in lesions from different animals. These results add significant knowledge about the prevalence and diversity of BPV infection in Brazilian cattle, which could be used in future studies aiming at the development of more specific treatment and diagnostic methods.     

Risk Factors Associated with Bovine Tuberculosis and Molecular Characterization of Mycobacterium bovis Strains in Urban Settings in Niger

A retrospective and a longitudinal survey were carried out at the abattoir of Niamey. Results showed a highly significant difference in suspected tuberculosis (TB) gross lesions among different animal species (P < 0.0001). The proportion of carcasses with TB‐like lesions was 0.19% among cattle, 0.11% among camels, 0.001% among sheep and 0.0006% among goats. In cattle, cows are significantly more affected than the other categories (P < 0.001). Also in cattle, TB‐like lesions are mostly localized in the lungs (92.77%) followed by the lymph nodes (50.87%) and the liver (32.40%). The prevalence of gross lesions compatible with bovine TB (BTB) is strongly influenced by the season (P < 0.0001), is closely correlated with the origin of the animals (P < 0.001) and has a negative impact on the weight of affected animals (P < 0.0001). Sixty‐two samples of suspected TB gross lesions were subject to microbiological analysis and molecular typing of strains. Mycobacterium bovis was identified in 18 animals showing five different spoligotypes, belonging to type ‘African 1’ previously identified in Central and West Africa. In addition, a profile (SB1982) not previously reported distinguished by the absence of spacers 3, 4, 9, 16, 22, 30 and 39–43 has been characterized in this study. To assess risk factors for BTB transmission, a questionnaire on animal husbandry practices, food habits, and clinical signs of TB in animals and humans was submitted to the heads of 1131 randomly selected households. The main risk factors identified are consumption of unpasteurized milk (91%) and lack of hygiene within households (32–74%). Clinical signs that could be attributed to TB were also reported both in humans and in animals of the households.     

Bovine Tuberculosis and Brucellosis in Cattle and African Buffalo in the Limpopo National Park,Mozambique

Bovine tuberculosis (BTB) and brucellosis are prevalent in buffaloes of the Kruger National Park (KNP, South Africa). Both diseases were considered to have no or a very low prevalence in wildlife and livestock in and around the Limpopo National Park (LNP, Mozambique). The same applies for tuberculosis in Gonarezhou National Park (GNP, Zimbabwe), but just recently, BTB was detected in buffaloes in the GNP and fears arose that the disease might also spread to the LNP as a result of the partial removal of the fences between the three parks to form the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park. To assess the status of both diseases in and around LNP, 62 buffaloes were tested for bovine tuberculosis (BTB) and bovine brucellosis. The percentage of positive BTB reactors in buffalo was 8.06% using BovidTB Stat‐Pak^® and 0% with BOVIGAM^® IFN‐γ test and IDEXX ELISA. The brucellosis seroprevalence in buffalo was found to be 17.72% and 27.42% using Rose Bengal Test (RBT) and ELISA, respectively. In addition, 2445 cattle in and around the LNP were examined for BTB using the single intradermal cervical comparative tuberculin test (SICCT), and an apparent prevalence of 0.98% was found with no significant difference inside (0.5%) and outside (1.3%) the park. This is the first published report on the presence of positive reactors to BTB and bovine brucellosis in buffalo and cattle in and outside the LNP. Monitoring the wildlife–livestock–human interface of zoonotic high‐impact diseases such as BTB and brucellosis is of outmost importance for the successful implementation and management of any transfrontier park that aims to improve the livelihoods of the local communities.     

Serological Follow‐up of Tuberculosis in a Wild Boar Population in Contact with Infected Cattle

There is an increasing concern in several European countries over the role that tuberculosis (TB)‐infected wild boar may play in the progress of bovine TB eradication campaigns. In 2004, as a consequence of the detection of a TB focus in wild boar from a National Game Reserve (NGR) located in southern Catalonia, a surveillance programme based on post‐mortem inspection for detection of macroscopic TB‐like lesions (TBLL) was initiated in the affected area. The source of infection for wild boar was linked to a tuberculous cattle herd located in the same area. Besides, the results of the surveillance programme in wild boar were used for the validation of an indirect enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) specific for Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) IgG antibodies. Using this ELISA, a seven‐year serological study of MTBC in wild boar from the NGR was conducted in 173 animals (93 adults, 44 juveniles–yearlings and 36 piglets) culled between 2004 and 2010. ELISA results and presence of TBLL showed excellent agreement for adult and juvenile wild boar (Kappa index = 0.85; 95% CI: 0.76–0.95). Of the thirty‐eight adults, yearlings and juveniles classified as positives by the ELISA, 34 (89%) showed TBLL at necropsy. In contrast, none of the ELISA‐positive wild boar piglets (n = 20) showed TBLL, suggesting the detection of early antibody responses to the infection. Overall, this study contributes to the knowledge of wild boar humoral responses to MTBC. The results also highlight the usefulness of this serological test for wild boar TB surveillance.     

Tuberculosis Caused by Mycobacterium orygis in Dairy Cattle and Captured Monkeys in Bangladesh: a New Scenario of Tuberculosis in South Asia

Mycobacterium orygis, commonly known as the oryx bacillus and a newly proposed Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex subspecies, was isolated from 18 cattle in a dairy farm and two captured rhesus monkeys in a zoo in Bangladesh. All the infected animals had tuberculosis lesions in their lungs, suggesting transmission and infection with M. orygis by an airborne route. The 20 isolates were analysed using a range of conventional and molecular typing methods, and RD‐deletion typing and sequencing of selected genes confirmed the isolates as M. orygis. Multiple‐locus variable‐number tandem repeat analysis (MLVA) allowed the isolates to be divided into three clusters based on the relatedness of their MLVA profiles. The two monkey isolates shared the same MLVA pattern with 15 of the cattle isolates, whereas the remaining three cattle isolates had different patterns, even though the latter animals had been kept in the same dairy farm. The diversity observed among isolates may suggest the bacteria have been established in this area for a long period. This study along with other recent findings that report the detection of M. orygis from animals as well as humans originating from South Asia potentially indicate endemic distribution of M. orygis in South Asia.     

Detection and Quantification of Bovine Papilloma Virus Type 2 (BPV‐2) by Real‐time PCR in Urine and Urinary Bladder Lesions in Enzootic Bovine Haematuria (EBH)‐Affected Cows

This study was conducted with the objectives of detecting bovine papillomavirus type 2 (BPV‐2) in urine samples and urinary bladder lesions in bovines using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and real‐time PCR‐based molecular diagnostic tests, and quantifying BPV‐2 in urinary bladder lesions especially in enzootic bovine haematuria (EBH)‐affected animals. BPV‐2 viral DNA was detected in urine samples (50%) and urinary bladder tissue (68.6%). Cloning and sequencing results showed a close homology with other Indian BPV‐2 sequences. Quantitative real‐time PCR (SYBR Green assay) showed that the BPV‐2 load was low and similar irrespective of inflammatory or neoplastic lesions in the bladder. It was concluded that BPV‐2 DNA is frequently present in urine and urinary bladder lesions in cows in an EBH endemic region and virus load was low in urinary bladder lesions.     

Sheep as a Potential Source of Bovine TB: Epidemiology,Pathology and Evaluation of Diagnostic Techniques

Bovine tuberculosis (TB) infection is infrequently diagnosed in sheep. Most reports are from single individual cases or flock outbreaks. However, in Spain several outbreaks have been reported recently, all of which had epidemiological links with TB‐infected cattle herds. A total of 897 sheep suspected of being infected with TB and belonging to 23 flocks cohabiting with TB‐infected cattle herds and/or goats were tested between 2009 and 2013 in Galicia (north‐western Spain), using pathological, immunological and molecular techniques. Of these, 50.44% were positive by culture, 83.23% by histopathology and 24.92%, 4.86% and 59.42% by single intradermal tuberculin test (SITT), interferon‐γ and ELISA, respectively. Results suggest that in circumstances akin to those in our study, sheep may be considered as a potential source of TB. We conclude that under similar conditions, serious consideration should be given to TB testing sheep, as they may represent a potential risk to other susceptible co‐habiting species. The SITT and ELISA are recommended as the simplest and most cost‐effective initial approaches for the diagnosis of TB in sheep under field conditions. However, when possible, interferon‐γ should be applied to increase sensitivity.     

Evidence of Presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in Bovine Tissue Samples by Multiplex PCR: Possible Relevance to Reverse Zoonosis

Bovine tuberculosis, caused by Mycobacterium bovis, remains one of the most important zoonotic health concerns worldwide. The transmission of Mycobacterium tuberculosis from humans to animals also occurs especially in countries where there is close interaction of humans with the animals. In the present study, thirty bovine lung tissue autopsy samples from an organized dairy farm located in North India were screened for the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex by smear microscopy, histopathological findings and PCR. Differential diagnosis of M. tuberculosis and M. bovis was made based on the deletion of mce‐3 operon in M. bovis. The present study found eight of these samples positive for M. tuberculosis by multiplex PCR. Sequencing was performed on two PCR‐positive representative samples and on annotation, and BLAST analysis confirmed the presence of gene fragment specific to Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The presence of M. tuberculosis in all the positive samples raises the possibility of human‐to‐cattle transmission and possible adaptation of this organism in bovine tissues. This study accentuates the importance of screening and differential diagnosis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex in humans and livestock for adopting effective TB control and eradication programmes.     

Evaluation of the Interferon‐γ Assay on Blood Collected at Exsanguination of Cattle Under Field Conditions for Surveillance of Bovine Tuberculosis

Development of point of concentration (POC) surveillance strategies for bovine tuberculosis (bTB) would facilitate global efforts to eradicate bTB. The interferon‐gamma (IFNγ) assay can detect IFNγ responses to Mycobacterium bovis in blood collected at commencement of exsanguination (COE) of experimentally challenged cattle but has not been evaluated under field conditions. The current study was aimed at determining (i) whether blood collected at COE of cattle at slaughter, under field conditions, is practical to obtain and useful for identifying cattle as IFNγ positive for bTB, (ii) whether the results of the IFNγ assay obtained at COE reliably compare with results obtained from live animals in the field, and (iii) whether the identified animal(s) originated from bTB‐infected or bTB‐exposed herds. Cattle from three risk groups were used: the highest risk group consisted of 49 cattle from 3 bTB‐infected herds; the medium risk group consisted of 24 cattle from a potentially exposed herd; and the lowest risk group consisted of 60 cattle from herds with no known history of bTB exposure. The IFNγ assay was performed on blood collected both before stunning and at COE of cattle at slaughter. An enhanced slaughter inspection for gross lesions consistent with bTB was performed on all cattle. In addition, lymph nodes were cultured for M. bovis for cattle that tested positive for bTB via the IFNγ assay and for most cattle that tested negative for bTB. Cattle, both with and without lesions consistent with bTB, were identified as positive for bTB by the IFNγ assay using blood collected at COE, but none of the positive cattle originated from the lowest risk group. The current study demonstrates that blood collected at COE of cattle is both a practical and moderately reliable sample for accessing bTB infection using the IFNγ assay.     

Bovine Tuberculosis: A Review of Current and Emerging Diagnostic Techniques in View of their Relevance for Disease Control and Eradication

Existing strategies for long‐term bovine tuberculosis (bTB) control/eradication campaigns are being reconsidered in many countries because of the development of new testing technologies, increased global trade, continued struggle with wildlife reservoirs of bTB, redistribution of international trading partners/agreements, and emerging financial and animal welfare constraints on herd depopulation. Changes under consideration or newly implemented include additional control measures to limit risks with imported animals, enhanced programs to mitigate wildlife reservoir risks, re‐evaluation of options to manage bTB‐affected herds/regions, modernization of regulatory framework(s) to re‐focus control efforts, and consideration of emerging testing technologies (i.e. improved or new tests) for use in bTB control/eradication programs. Traditional slaughter surveillance and test/removal strategies will likely be augmented by incorporation of new technologies and more targeted control efforts. The present review provides an overview of current and emerging bTB testing strategies/tools and a vision for incorporation of emerging technologies into the current control/eradication programs.     

Nationwide Cross‐Sectional Study on Bovine Tuberculosis by Intra Vitam Testing in Germany, 2013–2014

Germany was declared officially free from bovine tuberculosis (bTB) effective from 1 July 1996. After the occurrence of several Mycobacterium (M.) bovis outbreaks in north‐western Germany in recent years with high intraherd prevalence at the time of detection, the reliability of abattoir surveillance as the principal component of the national bTB control programme was debated by veterinary public health officials. Rising numbers of wildlife‐associated outbreaks caused by M. caprae in southern Germany eventually prompted a nationwide cross‐sectional study on bTB. A total of 51 999 cattle, that is 0.41% of the national herd kept on 1.73% of German cattle farms, were tested. Despite 4 positive and 152 inconclusive single intradermal comparative cervical test results, none of the animals was confirmed as bTB‐positive by a subsequent interferon‐release assay or by post‐mortem PCR testing. The estimated prevalence of bTB in Germany was thus calculated as 0.0% (CI 0.0000–0.0064%) affirming that Germany still qualifies as an officially tuberculosis‐free (OTF) country. Occasional randomized nationwide testing can be an appropriate tool to reassure the OTF status and may also help to maintain an appropriate training level for the diagnostic procedures and for supporting sustained disease awareness among stakeholders.     

Detection of Bovine Papilloma Viruses in Wart‐Like Lesions of Upper Gastrointestinal Tract of Cattle and Buffaloes

In present investigation, etiopathological characterization of upper gastrointestinal tract (GIT) tumours of cattle and buffaloes was undertaken. A total of 27 GIT wart‐like lesions in rumen, reticulum, mouth and oesophagus of cattle and buffaloes revealed the presence of small nodular to larger spherical or slender growths with thin base present on mucosa and ruminal pillar. Histopathologically, these cases were diagnosed as fibropapilloma/papilloma. This is the first world record on ruminal papillomatosis in buffaloes. Ruminal warts of cattle and buffaloes revealed the presence of BPV‐5, ‐1 & ‐2, which is the first report of presence of these BPVs in the ruminal warts from India. Quantitative real‐time PCR revealed that DNA samples of different GIT wart‐like lesions contained varying amount of BPV DNA copy numbers. Immunohistochemistry revealed that the PCNA and Ki67 immunopositivity was present in the basal and spinosum layer of the fibropapilloma/papilloma, indicating these as the cellular proliferation site. In conclusion, the present investigation revealed that BPV‐5, ‐1 & ‐2 are associated with certain ruminal wart‐like lesions/growths in cattle and buffaloes, and the basal and spinosum layer of the ruminal fibropapilloma/papilloma were cellular proliferation sites.     

Seroprevalence and Risk Factors of Bovine Herpesvirus 1 Infection in Cattle Herds in the State of Paraná, Brazil

Epidemiological data describing bovine herpesvirus 1 (BoHV‐1) infection in Brazilian cattle herds are scarce. A cross‐sectional study was conducted in the state of Paraná between December 2001 and July 2002 with the objective of estimating the apparent prevalence of BoHV‐1‐seropositive herds and animals and identifying the potential risk factors for infection in farms with breeding animals in the state of Paraná in Southern Brazil. The state was divided into seven regions based on the livestock production dynamics of the different areas. Sampling was performed in two stages. Initially, herds were randomly selected, followed by a random selection of animals within the selected herds. Blood samples were collected from 14 803 females, aged ≥24 months, from 2018 BoHV‐1 non‐vaccinated herds. Serum samples were tested for antibodies against BoHV‐1 using an indirect enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The apparent prevalence of seropositivity in the herds and animals in Paraná was 71.3% (95% CI: 69.3–73.3) and 59.0% (95% CI: 56.2–61.8), respectively. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that risk factors associated with the presence of the infection were as follows: beef herds [OR = 1.58 (1.12–2.23)], natural service [OR = 1.48 (1.02–2.14)], purchase of animals [OR = 1.90 (1.52–2.37)], pasture rental [OR = 2.24 (1.51–3.33)], existence of calving pens [OR = 1.56 (1.20–2.03)] and records of abortion in the last 12 months [OR = 1.45 (1.08–1.95)]. These results indicate that BoHV‐1 infection is widespread in the state of Paraná.     

Evaluation of Coxiella burnetii Status in Dairy Cattle Herds with Bulk‐tank Milk Positive by ELISA and PCR

Bulk‐tank milk (BTM) samples are frequently used to evaluate the health status of dairy livestock. A large‐scale investigation carried out in BTM samples from dairy cattle herds from a Q fever‐endemic region in Northern Spain revealed a high degree of exposure to Coxiella burnetii. This study was aimed at assessing the value of BTM samples analysis as an indicator of the C. burnetii status in dairy cattle herds. Three herds with BTM samples positive for C. burnetii by ELISA and PCR were selected, and blood, faeces and individual milk and BTM samples were analysed by serology and PCR. In spite of the high antibodies titres found in BTM samples, only one of the three farms presented an active infection by C. burnetii, as revealed by the presence of bacterial DNA in vaginal mucus and in environmental samples collected in the calving area, a seroprevalence around 40% in heifers and the seroconversion rate observed in cows. Results obtained indicated that the analysis of BTM samples is a good epidemiological tool at the population level that can be used to discriminate between seropositive and seronegative herds, but at the herd level, additional tests are necessary to evaluate whether Q fever is a potential problem in the farm. When Q fever is suspected in a cattle herd, sera from a small group of 1‐ to 3‐year‐old animals need to be analysed to investigate recent contact with C. burnetii.     

Factors that Influence Mycobacterium bovis Infection in Red Deer and Wild Boar in an Epidemiological Risk Area for Tuberculosis of Game Species in Portugal

Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is a worldwide zoonotic disease of domestic and wild animals. Eradication has proved elusive in those countries with intensive national programmes but with ongoing transmission between wildlife and cattle. In Portugal, a high‐risk area for bTB was defined and specific measures implemented to assess and minimize the risk from wildlife. Data from the 2011 to 2014 hunting seasons for red deer (Cervus elaphus) and wild boar (Sus scrofa) were analysed with bovine demographic and bTB information to assess factors that determined the occurrence and distribution of bTB in both species. The likelihood of bTB‐like lesions in wild boar was positively associated with density of red deer, wild boar and cattle, while for red deer, only their density and age were significant factors. The likelihood of Mycobacterium bovis isolation in wild boar was associated with density of cattle and red deer and also with the anatomical location of lesions, while for red deer, none of the variables tested were statistically significant. Our results suggest that, in the study area, the role of red deer and wild boar may be different from the one previously suggested by other authors for the Iberian Peninsula, as red deer may be the driving force behind M. bovis transmission to wild boar. These findings may assist the official services and game managing bodies for the management of hunting zones, what could also impact the success of the bTB eradication programme.     

Tuberculosis serosurveillance and management practices of captive African elephants (Loxodonta africana) in the Kavango‐Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area

Transfrontier conservation areas represent an international effort to encourage conservation and sustainable development. Their success faces a number of challenges, including disease management in wildlife, livestock and humans. Tuberculosis (TB) affects humans and a multitude of non‐human animal species and is of particular concern in sub‐Saharan Africa. The Kavango‐Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area encompasses five countries, including Zimbabwe, and is home to the largest contiguous population of free‐ranging elephants in Africa. Elephants are known to be susceptible to TB; thus, understanding TB status, exposure and transmission risks to and from elephants in this area is of interest for both conservation and human health. To assess risk factors for TB seroprevalence, a questionnaire was used to collect data regarding elephant management at four ecotourism facilities offering elephant‐back tourist rides in the Victoria Falls area of Zimbabwe. Thirty‐five working African elephants were screened for Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex antibodies using the ElephantTB Stat‐Pak and the DPP VetTB Assay for elephants. Six of 35 elephants (17.1%) were seropositive. The risk factor most important for seropositive status was time in captivity. This is the first study to assess TB seroprevalence and risk factors in working African elephants in their home range. Our findings will provide a foundation to develop guidelines to protect the health of captive and free‐ranging elephants in the southern African context, as well as elephant handlers through simple interventions. Minimizing exposure through shared feed with other wildlife, routine TB testing of elephant handlers and regular serological screening of elephants are recommended as preventive measures.