Tuberculosis is primarily transmitted through aerosol droplets, but it can also be transmitted through milk and infected meat. The mycobacterial species most frequently associated with disease are M. tuberculosis and M. bovis . M. avium and M. intercellare commonly known as the M. avium complex. However, there is an increased incidence of M. avium complex infection in AIDS patients, Basset Hounds, and Siamese cats due to their immune compromised states. Protective immunity to intracellular bacteria such as mycobacteria and Salmonella is dependent on activation of macrophages by type 1 cytokines.
Mycobacterial infections are for the most part uncommon in dogs and cats.
At this time, it is not known if this is a problem in all schnauzers or only certain breeding lines. If more is needed in the future, information will be posted on this website.