Test Characteristics of Assays to Detect Mycobacterium bovis Infection in High-Prevalence African Buffalo (Syncerus caffer) Herds

A herd of African buffaloes (Syncerus caffer) was tested for Mycobacterium bovis infection using three cytokine release assays. All animals were subsequently euthanized and mycobacterial culture determined the infection prevalence (52%) and diagnostic characteristics. Sensitivities were lower than previously reported and results provide new insight into the practical utility of these assays.