Human TB Infects Herd of Elephants
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From Times Staff and Wire Reports
A herd of 18 elephants used in circuses that tour the United States was infected with the human strain of tuberculosis, the U.S. Department Agriculture confirmed. Officials first became aware that the elephants were ill in August, when two of them, Hattie and Joyce, who were on tour with the Circus Vargas in California, collapsed and died. USDA spokesman Jamie Amberosi said: “It is a big investigation, and we’re giving it a high priority.” Amberosi said the infected animals are now undergoing a special protocol to cure them.
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