In a concerning development, two female elephants at Karachi’s Safari Park, Malaika and Madhubala, have been diagnosed with drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB), marking what could be Pakistan’s first documented case of human-to-animal transmission of this deadly disease. Experts believe the elephants contracted the infection from their caregivers at the Karachi Zoo, raising serious questions about zoonotic disease management and cross-species health risks.
Dr. Naseem Salahuddin, head of infectious diseases at Indus Hospital, confirmed on Tuesday that both elephants tested positive for the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC), a bacterial strain responsible for TB in humans and animals. “There is a strong suspicion that all four elephants, including the two that passed away earlier, were infected through human contact at the Karachi Zoo,” she said. “Malaika and Madhubala now face a lengthy recovery process that will require at least one year of intensive treatment.”
According to Dr. Salahuddin, MTBC is among the leading causes of global mortality, affecting both humans and wildlife. Unlike typical bovine TB caused by Mycobacterium bovis in cattle, the elephants’ infection is linked to human-origin TB bacteria, emphasizing the importance of stringent infection control measures in animal care facilities.
While a panel of infectious disease experts found no active TB cases among the elephants’ immediate caregivers, they strongly recommended comprehensive screening of all Karachi Zoo staff to identify potential asymptomatic carriers.
Following the diagnosis, the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) collaborated with top infectious disease experts from Indus Hospital, Aga Khan University Hospital, and international specialists to devise a treatment plan. With no precedent for treating TB in elephants in Pakistan, the team sought guidance from the World Health Organization (WHO) and Dr. Rajapaksalage Chandana Rajapaksha, an experienced elephant TB specialist from Sri Lanka.
“We have sent a detailed prescription plan to Dr. Rajapaksha for review. Once approved, we will proceed with the logistics of sourcing and administering the medications,” Dr. Salahuddin explained. Each elephant will require a daily dose of at least 300 anti-TB tablets, alongside supportive treatments like antibiotics, anti-parasitic medications, and enhanced nutritional care. The treatment process is expected to be complex, resource-intensive, and extend over a year.
The National Institute of Health (NIH) in Islamabad acknowledged the possibility of human-to-animal TB transmission but noted that this is the first confirmed case involving zoo animals in Pakistan. The situation has underscored the urgent need for a “One Health” approach, which recognizes the interconnected health of humans, animals, and the environment. An NIH official highlighted the recent launch of the One Health Workforce Development Project, aimed at addressing zoonotic diseases, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and climate-related health risks through multi-sectoral collaboration.
The Karachi elephants’ case has sparked broader discussions about the importance of infection control, improved zoo management, and enhanced veterinary healthcare protocols for captive animals in Pakistan. As authorities work against the clock to secure medications and implement treatment, the situation serves as a stark reminder of the growing threats posed by cross-species disease transmission.