Mycobacteria of veterinary importan

Mycobacteria of veterinary importance have been broken up into three groups.1. Obligate primary pathogens: These mycobacteria require the presence of a mammalian host to continue their life cycle and include those of M. tuberculosis complex and Mycobacterium lepraemurium.2. Saphrophytes: These mycobacteria are normally found existing on dead or decaying matter but have the potential to become facultative pathogens causing symptoms of either local or disseminated disease. They can be further categorized into fast- or slow-growing opportunistic non-tuberculous mycobacteria and include mycobacteria such as M. avium.3. Mycobacteria that are difficult to grow: These bacteria are so challenging to grow that it is impossible to determine their natural environmental niche. This group of bacteria is responsible for feline leprosy and canine leproid granuloma syndrome.