Uncovering the genomic landscape of Mycobacterium bovis in Wales
A genomic study of Mycobacterium bovis in Wales has identified six distinct clusters of the bacteria, suggesting both endemic evolution and independent introductions. The findings are intended to help improve disease-control interventions for bovine tuberculosis in cattle and wildlife.
Why it matters
Understanding the genomic landscape of pathogens is critical for managing zoonotic diseases and protecting agricultural economies.
Bovine tuberculosis (bTB), caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium bovis , is one of the most pressing animal health issues in Wales today. It negatively impacts cattle health, affects profitability and trade, and can decimate years of genetic improvement towards desirable production traits. It also imposes substantial financial, social, and psychological burdens on farming communities. Eradication of bTB requires an understanding of local transmission pathways to target effective disease-control interventions. In this study, we characterised the genomic diversity of M. bovis across Wales by analysing the genome sequence of 379 M. bovis isolates obtained from culture-positive animals in Wales in 2021. Analyses uncovered three prevalent clusters that are geographically distinct. A further three clusters containing fewer isolates were also geographically separated, two of which had particularly large SNP distances from most other Welsh isolates, suggesting independent introductions of M. bovis strains that are not endemic to Wales.
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