African buffalo in the Kafue Basin ecosystem, symbolizing wildlife conservation.

Buffalo TB Scare: What You Need to Know About Keeping Wildlife Safe

Beau Callahan in Science & Nature June 2025 • 4 min read.

"Uncover the truth about tuberculosis in African buffaloes and what it means for conservation efforts. Learn how Zambia is leading the way in protecting its wildlife."

Bovine tuberculosis (BTB) is a significant threat to wildlife conservation, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, impacting species like the African buffalo and Kafue lechwe. Understanding and managing this disease is crucial for maintaining healthy wildlife populations and supporting conservation efforts.

In Zambia, there's been an increase in demand for ecotourism and the conservation of the African buffalo on privately-owned game ranches. This has led the Zambian Wildlife Authority (ZAWA) and private sector partners to create a herd of "BTB-free buffaloes" for conservation outside their usual habitat, known as ex situ conservation. This is important because moving animals can spread diseases if not properly managed.

A study was conducted to determine if buffaloes in the Kafue Basin ecosystem carried BTB, using comparative intradermal tuberculin testing (CIDT). The goal was to find BTB-free buffaloes for conservation purposes, contributing to the broader efforts to protect Zambia's wildlife.

Why Is Tuberculosis a Threat to Buffaloes?

African buffalo in the Kafue Basin ecosystem, symbolizing wildlife conservation.

Demographic factors and social behavior play a huge role in the spread of diseases within wildlife populations. African buffaloes and Kafue lechwe live in large herds, making them more susceptible to disease transmission. If these species are infected, there can be considerable loss in population.

Eradicating BTB is incredibly difficult, so it's vital to prevent its introduction into vulnerable wildlife populations. This involves careful monitoring and testing, as well as implementing strategies to minimize contact between wild and domestic animals, which can also spread the disease. Disease introduction can lead to high mortalities.

Group dynamics influence disease spread.
High population densities increase transmission.
Interspecies contact poses risks.
Mortality rate increases because of disease.

The expansion of conservation efforts in Zambia has been limited by the absence of key species, including lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and African buffaloes, also known as the 'Africa’s big five.' By increasing buffalo populations on game ranches, it enhances ecotourism and safari hunting revenue, promoting ecological benefits. Buffaloes help open up dense vegetation, benefiting other species and supporting broader conservation goals.

Protecting Buffaloes for the Future

The study underscores the importance of thorough disease screening before relocating wildlife. By ensuring that buffaloes are BTB-free before being moved to game ranches, conservationists can protect both the translocated animals and the existing wildlife populations. Continued vigilance and proactive measures are essential for preserving Zambia's natural heritage.

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Everything You Need To Know

What is bovine tuberculosis (BTB) and why is it a concern for African buffaloes?

Bovine tuberculosis (BTB) is a disease that poses a significant threat to wildlife conservation, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. It specifically affects species such as the African buffalo and Kafue lechwe. The main concern is that BTB can lead to high mortality rates within these populations, reducing their numbers and undermining conservation efforts. The African buffaloes' social behavior, living in large herds, facilitates the spread of the disease, making them highly susceptible. Eradicating BTB is incredibly difficult, making prevention and careful monitoring critical to protect the African buffalo and other vulnerable wildlife.

How is Zambia working to protect African buffaloes from BTB?

Zambia is actively involved in protecting African buffaloes through the creation of 'BTB-free buffaloes' for conservation outside their usual habitat, which is known as ex situ conservation. This initiative is driven by the Zambian Wildlife Authority (ZAWA) and private sector partners, responding to increased demand for ecotourism and conservation. Before relocating buffaloes to game ranches, thorough disease screening, using comparative intradermal tuberculin testing (CIDT), is conducted to ensure they are BTB-free. This measure protects both the relocated buffaloes and the existing wildlife populations. This is a crucial step in safeguarding Zambia's natural heritage.

Why is it important to screen African buffaloes for BTB before relocating them?

Screening African buffaloes for BTB before relocation is crucial to prevent the spread of the disease and protect both the translocated animals and existing wildlife populations. Moving animals, especially when they may be infected, can introduce BTB to new areas, leading to high mortality rates and potentially devastating the already vulnerable populations. The study emphasizes the importance of thorough disease screening and proactive measures to preserve Zambia's natural heritage and broader conservation goals.

What role do herd dynamics play in the spread of BTB among African buffaloes and Kafue lechwe?

Group dynamics significantly influence the spread of BTB within populations of African buffaloes and Kafue lechwe. These species live in large herds, increasing the risk of disease transmission. High population densities facilitate more frequent contact between individuals, making it easier for BTB to spread rapidly. If one animal within a herd is infected, the chances of others contracting the disease are greatly increased. This highlights the importance of understanding and managing herd structures to control the spread of BTB.

Besides the African buffalo, what other species are affected by BTB, and how does it impact broader conservation efforts?

Besides the African buffalo, BTB also affects the Kafue lechwe. BTB's impact extends beyond individual species, it significantly hinders broader conservation efforts. The high mortality rates caused by the disease can decimate wildlife populations, making it harder to maintain healthy ecosystems and achieve conservation goals. The absence of key species, including the African buffalo, limits the expansion of conservation efforts, and therefore, BTB threatens ecotourism and safari hunting revenue. By increasing buffalo populations on game ranches, ecological benefits can be promoted.