Validation of the BrockTB Stat-Pak Assay for Detection of Tuberculosis in Eurasian Badgers ( <i>Meles meles</i> ) and Influence of Disease Severity on Diagnostic Accuracy

Abstract

A lateral-flow immunoassay (BrockTB Stat-Pak) for detecting tuberculosis in Eurasian badgers was 49% sensitive and 93% specific against culture for M. bovis (n = 1,464) at necropsy. However, the sensitivity was significantly higher (66 to 78%) in animals with more severe tuberculosis, indicating that the BrockTB Stat-Pak may be useful for the detection of badgers with the greatest risk of transmitting disease.