Mycobacteriosis is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium bacteria. Mycobacteriosis can affect many animal species and was a major disease in both people and domestic animals before modern control measures.
Common signs include gradual weight loss, lack of energy, weakness, poor appetite, and a mild fever. In some cases, the disease can develop slowly over time, but it can also develop rapidly and become severe.
Several types of Mycobacterium can cause mycobacteriosis in dogs, including Mycobacterium tuberculosis (the cause of tuberculosis in people), Mycobacterium bovis, and occasionally Mycobacterium fortuitum and bacteria belonging to the Mycobacterium avium complex (which affects birds). Each type tends to infect a specific animal species but can occasionally infect others.
Infection usually occurs through inhaling infected droplets from the lungs of an infected person or animal. It can also occur through ingestion of food or unpasteurized milk contaminated with mycobacteria.
Most infected dogs show no signs because the immune system often suppresses the bacteria. When disease develops, it commonly causes chronic coughing, difficulty breathing, and other general signs of illness.
Mycobacteriosis can spread to people and other animals and is considered a public health risk. Because of this, suspected cases in dogs should be handled carefully. Veterinary guidance and public health reporting might be required in advanced cases, and euthanasia might be recommended to prevent spread and protect public health.
For More Information
Also see professional content regarding tuberculosis in dogs.
