Karachi Elephants Get Human TB Treatment

Veterinarians at Karachi Safari Park in Pakistan are treating two elephants, Madhubala and Malika, for tuberculosis by administering at least 400 anti-TB pills daily, with medication identical to that used for humans and dosages tailored to their 4,000kg weight. The pills are hidden in fruits and traditional sweets to encourage ingestion. The elephants initially resisted the bitter medication, exhibiting stress and aggression, but have gradually adapted under the oversight of Sri Lankan veterinary surgeon Buddhika Bandara. This effort follows the deaths of two other elephants at the park: Noor Jehan in 2023 and Sonia in 2024, with Sonia’s TB infection confirmed. Experts highlight that elephants can contract TB from humans and that the affected elephants displayed no symptoms, making the disease difficult to detect and treat. The case demonstrates the challenges of managing contagious diseases in large animals and the dedication of international veterinary teams.