TB Research

Mapping Multi-Host TB Risk: The Central Role of Wild Boar and Red Deer in Environmentally Mediated Transmission

Eduardo Ferreira, Monica Cunha, Elsa Leclerc Duarte, António Mira, Sara M. Santos

Repositorio Universidade de Évora (Universidade de Évora) · 2025-12

Abstract

Animal tuberculosis (TB) persists in multi-host communities Transmission occurs via shared contaminated environments; Integration of host ecology and environmental data is crucial. Indirect interactions more frequent → wet season • Natural resource availability increased wildlife-cattle interactions. • 49% environmental samples positive for MTBC DNA. Main contamination predictor: terrain slope 26.5% area = high transmission risk (mostly forest).

MeSH terms

  • Transmission (telecommunications)
  • Biology
  • Ecology
  • Wild boar
  • Contamination
  • Disease transmission
  • Resource (disambiguation)
  • Geography
  • Zoology
  • Terrain