Contact patterns as a risk factor for bovine tuberculosis infection in a free-living adult brushtail possum Trichosurus vulpecula population

摘要: Abstract The aim of this study was to identify risk factors for bovine tuberculosis (TB) in a free-roaming, capture-mark-recapture monitored possum Trichosurus vulpecula population 22-ha site at Castlepoint, New Zealand from 1 April 1989 31 March 1994. A matched case–control design used evaluate the influence sex, habitat and contact opportunities on TB risk. Cases comprised possums identified as TB-positive throughout period. Controls were selected group that captured showed no clinical signs Measures derived social network analysis capture locations such degree, clustering coefficient (CC) betweenness represent potential among possums. Network measures recorded individual 12-month period before diagnosis evaluated conditional logistic regression model. We found evidence an association between case status total number with which there (degree) (P = 0.5). odds cases being exposed unit increases contacts 2.50 (95% CI 1.24–5.05; P  These findings indicate disease whereas large numbers does not. This suggests multiple possum(s) are necessary transmission is more likely occur networks smaller. challenge hypothesis individuals probability becoming infected argue behaviour determinant creation foci within free-living populations.