title: Selective breeding: the future of TB management in African buffalo?
abstract: The high prevalence of bovine tuberculosis (BTB) in African buffalo (Syncerus caffer) in regions of southern African has a negative economic impact on the trade of animals and animal products, represents an ecological threat to biodiversity, and poses a health risk to local communities through the wildlife-cattle-human interface. Test and cull methods may not be logistically feasible in many free-range wildlife systems, and with the presence of co-existing BTB hosts and the limited effectiveness of the BCG vaccine in buffalo, there is a need for alternative methods of BTB management. Selective breeding for increased resistance to BTB in buffalo may be a viable method of BTB management in the future, particularly if genetic information can be incorporated into these schemes. To explore this possibility, we discuss the different strategies that can be employed in selective breeding programmes, and consider the implementation of genetic improvement schemes. We reflect on the suitability of applying this strategy for enhanced BTB resistance in African buffalo, and address the challenges of this approach that must be taken into account. Conclusions and the implications for management are presented.
authors.affiliation: Stellenbosch University, DST/NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research/ Medical Research Council (MRC) Centre for TB Research, Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Tygerberg, South Africa. Electronic address: nikkileroex@sun.ac.za.
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: le Roex
authors.affiliation: Stellenbosch University, DST/NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research/ Medical Research Council (MRC) Centre for TB Research, Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Tygerberg, South Africa.
authors.forename: C M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Berrington
authors.affiliation: Stellenbosch University, DST/NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research/ Medical Research Council (MRC) Centre for TB Research, Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Tygerberg, South Africa.
authors.forename: E G
authors.initials: EG
authors.lastname: Hoal
authors.affiliation: Stellenbosch University, DST/NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research/ Medical Research Council (MRC) Centre for TB Research, Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Tygerberg, South Africa.
authors.forename: P D
authors.initials: PD
authors.lastname: van Helden
mesh_terms: D000822:Animal Husbandry / Q000379:methods*; D000818:Animals; D000835:Animals, Wild; D002020:Buffaloes / Q000235:genetics*; D002417:Cattle; D019468:Disease Management; D060467:Disease Resistance / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D009163:Mycobacterium bovis; D015995:Prevalence; D000068618:Selective Breeding / Q000235:genetics*; D013019:South Africa; D014380:Tuberculosis, Bovine / Q000517:prevention & control*
keywords: BTB; Breeding; Buffalo; Genetic improvement; Mycobacterium bovis; Resistance; Selection