Sheep are susceptible to infection with Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium caprae, but they rarely show signs of disease. Lesions are usually restricted to the respiratory tract; however, generalization is possible. Diagnostic assays used in cattle can be applied to sheep.
Goats are highly susceptible to infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex, particularly M caprae but also M bovis and Mycobacterium microti. Mycobacterium avium complex also infects goats. Infection is widespread and herd prevalence can be high. Some countries utilize test-and-slaughter TB eradication programs in goats. Intradermal tuberculin assays and interferon-gamma assay can be used; however, they show limited performance in goats. Lesions are most common in the respiratory (lung, mediastinal lymph nodes) and alimentary tracts (mesenteric lymph nodes).
