TKSSP Veterinary Advisors, Dr. Mitch Bush and Dr. Darin Collins have
prepared a list of recommendations regarding Avian TB (ATB) (M. avium), as
follows.
Recommendations for the treatment of Tree Kangaroos (Dendrolagus spp.)
diagnosed with avian Tuberculosis (ATB) (Mycobacterium avium) - 2007
1. The tree kangaroo SSP is still recommending the combination drug therapy (amikacin, rifabutin,
ethambutol & azithromycin) for mycobacteriosis (Mycobacterium avium) treatment.
2. Best recommendation is for 6-12 months of combination drug therapy; maybe even upwards to 2-3
years of treatment. Treatments are based upon diagnostic tests, including blood tests & radiographs and
evaluation of each individual animal. Once you start therapy for avian TB (ATB) you are committed to
continue some form of therapy for the rest of the animal’s life.
3. Tree kangaroos with ATB are not typically considered infectious to other tree kangaroos. However,
coughing animals (would likely be coughing or shedding mycobacteria into the environment) are best
managed away from direct contact with other tree kangaroos; being "moved to one end of the building" is
adequate. A "coughing" tree kangaroo that coughs up mucous/saliva that ends up in the exhibit would be
considered a "concentrated dose" of mycobacterium. If another tree kangaroo eats this mucous/saliva that
animal would be exposed to a "heavy dose" of organisms. However, that doesn't mean an infection will
occur... mycobacteria are everywhere, i.e. soil, water. All tree kangaroos have been exposed to
mycobacterium, since this bacterium is everywhere; some animals develop infections, others do not. ALL
ANIMALS ARE EXPOSED. Data shows that most multiple infections are different serotypes and are
therefore probably not infectious. BUT, we need to continue to type the organism!!!
4. Avian TB is typically caused by environmental exposure.
5. Breeding tree kangaroos with historical diagnosis of ATB are considered safe to breed to other tree
kangaroos if/when symptoms subside, i.e. no coughing, and optimal body weight is obtained. An
additional, important caution would be any animal with draining wounds from osteomyelitis.
6.) A positive tracheal wash with radiograph lesions would be a highly probable diagnosis and warrant
starting therapy for ATB (Mycobacterium avium) infection. Many tree kangaroos will be found positive
for ATB if a good tracheal wash is done, but that can be traumatic. It not recommended doing a tracheal
wash unless there are radiographic findings suggestive of ATB
7. ATB is not considered contagious to zoo employees. The best recommendations are for standard level
of personal hygiene and protection; i.e. gloves when handling animal waste, masks when hosing
contaminated animal enclosures. A person with AIDS or immunologically suppressed could get ATB
from the same source as the tree kangaroo.
8. ATB, although associated with symptoms and death, can be tolerated reasonably well by infected
animals, and those that are still eating will typically respond to treatments and can live for years! It is
important to note that we may be able to control the disease with therapy but not cure it, unless it
is an osteo infection which seems to be curable.
9. Lymphocyte stimulation tests can be the best prognostic test, and can help monitor an animal's
response to treatment. Information on tree kangaroo immune profiles and consultation for tree
kangaroos suspected of mycobacterial disease can be found in the 2007 Tree Kangaroo
Husbandry Manual