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Can elephants give humans TB? Posted 4-27-98 The first recorded tuberculosis transmission between elephants and humans was likely caused by prolonged close contact in confined quarters, according to a report in the April issue of Emerging Infectious Diseases, a publication of the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Researchers studied a 1996 TB outbreak in California in which four circus elephants died of TB and 12 handlers showed signs of infection. One of those handlers had an active case of TB. "We cannot confirm the direction of transmission—from elephant to human or vice versa," said Kathleen Michalak, RN, a co-author of the study and director of nursing for the Department of Health in McHenry County, Ill., where the elephants lived on an exotic animal farm when not performing. "However, we do know the elephants and humans shared an identical form of the virus." Although various strains of TB have been identified in seals, elk, birds, and livestock, this incident marks the first transmission between animals and humans. Contrary to media reports following the California outbreak, brief or limited exposure to the infected elephants was not considered high risk. TB is transmitted by sharing the same air as an infected person or animal for several hours; the infected elephant handlers lived in close proximity to the animals, Michalak noted. She advises handlers, veterinarians, and others who may be exposed to the virus to be tested regularly for TB. Elephants suffering unexplained weight loss, cough, or runny trunk discharge should also be tested. Related Sites |
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