Prevalence Of Bovine Tuberculosis Research Articles

Factors Associated with the Prevalence of Bovine Tuberculosis in the Kafue Basin of Zambia

Worldwide, bovine tuberculosis is most common in agricultural regions of Central and South America, Sub-Saharan Africa and South-Western Asia. Bovine tuberculosis was reported to be endemic in the Zambian traditional cattle sector with a high herd prevalence of 49.8% recorded from areas within, and adjacent to the Kafue Basin as far back as 1995. An analytical cross sectional study design was applied to a sample size of 384 selected cattle owners in the Kafue Basin. A semi-structured questionnaire was administered to the cattle owners who were randomly selected. The data was analyzed using STATA Version 15 Software. The results from the study showed that 54% of the cattle owners experienced bovine tuberculosis among their cattle while 46% did not experience bovine tuberculosis. The prevalence of bovine tuberculosis in cattle was higher among the male cattle owners (76%) compared to female cattle owners (24%). There was a significant relationship of p value < 0.029 between level of knowledge of cattle owners and the prevalence of bovine tuberculosis. Unemployed cattle owners had higher odds of experiencing bovine tuberculosis among their cattle (OR 3.488; 95% CI 1.341-9.067) and the relationship was statistically significant at p value < 0.010. There was equally a significant relationship of p value < 0.042 between vaccination status of animals and the occurrence of bovine tuberculosis. The study showed that the majority of cattle owners lacked awareness and had a lower level of understanding of the disease and its public health significance. Therefore, the implications of the study suggest the creation of disease control programs that will ensure regular herd testing for bovine tuberculosis, routine vaccinations of animals, deliberate quarantine of infected animals as well as community health education about transmission, control and prevention of the disease.

Risk Factors Associated with Prevalence of Zoonotic Tuberculosis in Small Ruminants in Chhattisgarh, India

This study carried out in 2021-22 and 2022-23 at the College of Veterinary Science & A.H., Anjora, Durg, and ICAR-NIBSM, Baronda, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India focused on examining molecular detection and determining risk factors associated with infections of Bovine tuberculosis (BTB) in small ruminants within the Chhattisgarh region. Zoonotic tuberculosis, a global threat emerging from the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex, impacts humans, livestock, and wildlife. A total of 795 samples from small ruminants, including blood, aborted fetuses, vaginal swabs, and placental tissues, were collected. DNA extraction and multiplex PCR targeting Mycobacteria RD1 and RD4 genes were performed. Statistical analyses explored individual animal-level and herd-level risk factors using SPSS. Results revealed a 0.75% prevalence of BTB in Small ruminants. Herd-level analysis demonstrated 2.6% prevalence. The statistical analysis assessing individual animal-level risk factors associated with BTB prevalence showed no significant associations with species, age, sex, or sample type. Herd-level risk factors included the number of small ruminants (OR=1.158, p =0.003) and introducing new animals (OR=1.090, p=0.034). In a multivariable logistic regression analysis, the variable “Number of small ruminants kept” emerged as a significant predictor (OR=1.155, p=0.004).Other factors like vaccination, biosecurity measures, and history of reproductive disorders did not reach statistical significance. This study provides comprehensive insights into the multifaceted risk factors associated with zoonotic tuberculosis transmission in small ruminants. The findings underscore the importance of ongoing research to formulate effective control strategies considering the nuanced nature of BTB.

Prevalence and risk factors of bovine tuberculosis in cattle in selected districts of Fafan pastoral settings, Eastern Ethiopia

Cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2021 to August 2022 to investigate the prevalence and associated risk factors of bovine tuberculosis in cattle in selected districts of the pastoral settings of Fafan zone, Somali region, eastern Ethiopia. A comparative intradermal tuberculin test was performed using purified protein derivatives. Animal-related characteristics, and the owner's knowledge on the importance of BTB were collected using a structured questionnaire. The prevalence was 11.24 % (95 % CI, 8.61–14.35) and 43.3 % (95 % CI, 33.27–53.75) at the individual and herd levels, respectively. There were statistically significant differences in the proportions of positive reactor animals according to body condition score (P = 0.000), age (P = 0.048), seasonal migration (P = 0.038), parity number (P = 0.005), and reproductive status (P = 0.037). Animals with poor body condition scores had a significantly higher likelihood of testing positive, with their odds being 11.4 times greater (COR = 11.408, CI = 3.43–37.94, P < 0.001). In multivariate logistic regression, poor body condition score remained significantly associated with the odds of a positive reaction to tuberculosis (AOR = 0.137, CI = 0.053–0.356, P < 0.001). Similarly, the analysis showed that seasonal migration (AOR = 2.882, CI = 1.155–7.191, P = 0.023) and parity number (AOR = 11.64, CI = 1.818–74.464, P = 0.010) were significant predictors of bovine tuberculosis infection in cattle. According to the questionnaire, 14.2 % (17 of 120) and 13.3 % (16 of 120) of the respondents were knowledgeable about bovine tuberculosis and its transmission from animals to humans, and vice versa, respectively. The general judgment of herders' understanding of bovine tuberculosis transmission methods to humans was very low. The study findings showed a high prevalence of bovine tuberculosis in the study area, emphasizing the need for an effective control and prevention strategy.

Prevalence and zoonotic risk factors of Mycobacterium bovis tuberculosis in cattle at the cattle-wildlife-human interface in South and East Cameroon.

Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is a contagious and notifiable disease, which is prevalent in cattle populations of many countries and in several wildlife species worldwide. However, the role of wildlife in the transmission and/or maintenance of bTB at the human-wild animal-animal interface and the epidemiology of zoonotic disease are poorly understood in Cameroon, where many wildlife species exist. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence and zoonotic risk factors of bTB at the cattle-wildlife-human interface in the South and East regions of Cameroon. We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study from May to October 2022 in the southern region (Vallée du Ntem and Dja et Lobo) and eastern region (Haut Nyong and Lom et Djérem) of Cameroon to determine risk factors for bTB in Zebu Bororo, Goudali, Ndama, and Simmental cattle breeds. A comparative intradermal tuberculin testing (CIDT) was performed on 160 cattle randomly selected from herds using the threshold recommended by the World Organization for Animal Health. An interviewee-administered questionnaire was used to gather epidemiological data on sociodemographics, interaction between cattle and wildlife, and awareness of zoonotic tuberculosis (TB) from 90 cattle professionals. The prevalence of bTB at the herd level and associated risk factors were estimated using multiple logistic regression models. Based on the comparative intradermal tuberculin test (CIDT), the estimated prevalence of bTB in 160 cattle (Zebu Bororo, Goudali, Ndama, and Simmental) in South and East Cameroon was 6.8% (4.35%-9.41%) and 1.8% (0%-3.6%) for threshold values 3 mm and 4 mm, respectively. The prevalence obtained by simple intradermal tuberculin test (IDT) was 0.6% (0%-1.2%) for a threshold value 4 mm. Univariate analysis revealed three risk factors associated with bTB with significant odds ratios (OR; p = 0.05): herd size (OR = 4.88; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.24-32.56); cattle aged>10 years (OR = 0.17; 95% CI: 0.05-0.53); and victims of bTB organ seizure (OR = 0.015; 95% CI: 0.002-0.067). Multivariate analysis showed that being a cattle herder and contact between wildlife and livestock due to forage was significantly associated with bTB exposure (adjusted OR = 0.02; p = 0.001). Bovine TB is prevalent in cattle of the South and East Cameroon. Comparative IDT of cattle reared in the epidemiological and environmental context of the study areas yielded better results at a threshold of 3 mm than at a threshold of 4 mm recommended by the World Health Organization. Factors associated with exposure to/appearance of bTB were high herd size, cattle aged >10 years old, seizures of tuberculous organs, shepherding as a profession, and contact between cattle and wildlife can be due to lack of forage.

Isolation and Molecular Identification of Mycobacterium bovis from Slaughtered Cattle in Nekemte Municipality Abattoir, Ethiopia.

Tuberculosis (TB) is a zoonotic disease that can spread from animals to humans as well as from human to human. Little research has been conducted on bovine tuberculosis prevalence and molecular characterization in the western part of Ethiopia. To investigate this, a cross-sectional study was conducted on slaughtered cattle at the Nekemte municipal abattoir between January 2020 and June 2021. A detailed postmortem examination, culture, acid-fast staining technique, molecular characterization using RD4 deletion, and spoligotyping were all carried out. Based on a detailed postmortem examination, the overall prevalence of bovine tuberculosis was 7.8% (80 of 1020). Mycobacterium isolation confirmed only 12.5% (10/80) of the suspected tuberculosis tissue lesions. With acid-fast bacilli staining, all Mycobacterium spp. isolates (n = 10) were positive. However, only 9/10 isolates were confirmed to be M. bovis with RD4 molecular deletion typing. Spoligotyping revealed that 55.6% (5/9) of the isolate patterns had previously been reported, but 44.4% (4/9) of the isolates were new. In the current investigation, it was discovered that 80% (4/5) of the M. bovis strains circulating in the cattle population of study regions were SB2233 (2/5) and SB0134 (2/5), whereas 20% (1/5) of the strains corresponded to SB1176, which is compatible with previously documented M. bovis spoligotypes. These findings suggested that M. bovis was the main cause of bovine tuberculosis in the study area and posed a risk of disease transmission from cattle to humans due to low levels of public health awareness. As such, improved awareness among citizens and the development of control policies are warranted.

Very low prevalence of bovine tuberculosis in cattle in Sylhet district of Bangladesh

Bovine tuberculosis (bTB), a chronic zoonotic disease in cattle, has a substantial socio-economic and public health impact. This study was conducted to estimate the prevalence and geographical distribution of bTB in the Sylhet district of Bangladesh. A cross-sectional study was conducted at all 12 upazilas of Sylhet district, which included 512 randomly selected cattle from 48 farms. Selected animals were tested with the Caudal Fold Tuberculin (CFT) test to identify bTB-positive cattle. Out of 512 cattle, only one animal was identified as a reactor, providing an estimated prevalence of 0.19% (95% Confidence Interval; 0–0.58%). The only positive reactor was found in Zakiganj upazila. As the prevalence of bTB in cattle in Sylhet appears to be low, it indicates that most of the upazilas of Sylhet district are free of the bTB infection. This prevalence is lower than the reported prevalence in other parts of Bangladesh. Thus, attempts should be made to maintain the current situation of bTB infection in cattle of Sylhet district.

Prevalence of bovine tuberculosis and analysis of risk factors among the dairy farms in and around Guwahati metropolitan city, India

Bovine tuberculosis (bTB), a neglected zoonotic disease caused by Mycobacterium bovis is being reported worldwide. The present work was carried out from December 2020 to November 2021 to assess the prevalence and risk factors of bTB in peri-urban and urban dairy farms of Guwahati, Assam, India. A questionnaire was used to collect data on knowledge about bTB on 36 farms, and ten animals per farm were screened by single intradermal comparative cervical tuberculin test (SICCT) to determine the prevalence of bTB, giving a total of 360 animals. The demographic data of the farmers revealed that 61.1% respondents were illiterate, 66.7% had no awareness about bovine tuberculosis and 41.7% consumed unpasteurised milk and milk products. SICCT showed that 38 cattle from 18 of the farms were positive reactors for bTB, yielding an overall animal level prevalence of 10.55% (95% confidence interval (CI = 7.58–14.2%) and a 50% herd prevalence (95% CI 32.9–67.1%). Animals 5 years and above were found to be more likely to be positive for bTB (17.18%). The study highlighted the widespread prevalence of bovine tuberculosis in peri-urban and urban dairy farms of Guwahati which gives a picture also about other major cities of India. Hence, it is of utmost importance to undertake a comprehensive epidemiological study in such cities for effective control and prevention of bTB in a one health approach.

Field evaluation of two commercial serological assays for detecting bovine tuberculosis

Diagnosis of bovine tuberculosis in cattle is challenging due to complex immune host response to infection that limit the performance of available diagnostic tests. In this study, performance of two commercial serological assays developed to detect bovine tuberculosis were evaluated: Enferplex Bovine TB antibody kit including 11 antigens (EnferGroup, Ireland) and IDEXX M. bovis Ab kit (IDEXX, USA). The specificity value obtained with the ELISA IDEXX M. bovis Ab test was 97.1%, whereas it was 97.1% and 95.1% for the high specificity and sensitivity settings, respectively, with the Enferplex Bovine TB antibody kit. The sensitivity of the multiplexed Enferplex Bovine TB antibody test for SICCT-positive animals was higher (N = 172; 51.7% and 58.7% with high specificity and sensitivity settings, respectively) compared to the ELISA IDEXX M. bovis Ab test (sensitivity of 36.6%). “Antigen profiles” generated by the multiplexed Enferplex method showed that five out of 11 antigens present in the test were mostly identified as positive sera in cattle originating from bTB-outbreaks. In comparison, unique profiles appeared to be correlated with false positive results. However additional studies are needed to confirm the observed antigen profiles, and their potential use as an additional diagnostic tool. Serial interpretation of the two serological tests produced higher diagnostic specificity (>99%), reducing false positive results, which is essential for a screening test when the prevalence of bovine tuberculosis is low.

Zoonotic Tuberculosis: A Neglected Disease in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Region.

Mycobacterium bovis is the etiologic agent of bovine tuberculosis (BTB), a serious infectious disease in both humans and animals. BTB is a zoonotic disease primarily affecting cattle and occasionally humans infected through close contact with infected hosts or the consumption of unpasteurized dairy products. Zoonotic tuberculosis is strongly associated with poverty and poor hygiene, and low- and middle-income countries bear the brunt of the disease. BTB has been increasingly recognized as a growing public health threat in developing countries. However, the lack of effective surveillance programs in many of these countries poses a barrier to accurately determining the true burden of this disease. Additionally, the control of BTB is threatened by the emergence of drug-resistant strains that affect the effectiveness of current treatment regimens. Here, we analyzed current trends in the epidemiology of the disease as well as the antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of M. bovis in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, a region that includes several developing countries. Following PRISMA guidelines, a total of 90 studies conducted in the MENA region were selected. Our findings revealed that the prevalence of BTB among humans and cattle varied significantly according to the population size and country in the MENA region. Most of the available studies were based on culture and/or PCR strategies and were published without including data on antimicrobial resistance and molecular typing. Our findings highlighted the paramount need for the use of appropriate diagnostic tools and the implementation of sustainable control measures, especially at the human/animal interface, in the MENA region.

PREVALENCE OF BOVINE TUBERCULOSIS IN DAIRY CATTLE OF JAIPUR, RAJASTHAN, INDIA

Tuberculosis in cattle is a chronic debilitating infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium bovis, an intracellular acid-fast bacterium. The diseases have become prevalent infection in most of the developing countries and causes considerable economic losses to producers of livestock, particularly in dairy cows. This study was conducted to evaluate the prevalence of tuberculosis in cattle in Jaipur. A total of 200 serum samples were collected from cattle of a gaushala in Jaipur and subjected to ELISA and single intradermal tuberculin test. overall prevalence obtained was 1.5% in cattle. Individual test wise, 6 (3%) and 9 (4.5%) animals were found positive to SITT and ELISA, respectively. Higher prevalence was observed in age group above 5 years as 3.65% and 5.11% by SITT and ELISA, respectively. Also, the prevalence was found higher in crossbred cattle as 3.45 and 6.89 by SITT and ELISA, respectively. Comparison of results for SITT and ELISA tests was found statistically non-significant (p&gt; 0.05) with respect to age and breed. The kappa value to know the agreement between SITT and ELISA test was 0.38. It shows a poor agreement between both the tests for tuberculosis in cattle. The prevalence of bovine tuberculosis in milch animals signifies potential health risk for human and animals. The findings are required further confirmation with large scale surveillance of all susceptible animals

Investigating Prevalence of Bovine Tuberculosis in Cattle in an Agro-Pastoral Community in Awdal Region, Somaliland

Investigating Prevalence of Bovine Tuberculosis in Cattle in an Agro-Pastoral Community in Awdal Region, Somaliland

Prevalence of bovine tuberculosis and characterization of the members of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex from slaughtered cattle in Rwanda.

Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is an endemic disease in Rwanda, but little is known about its prevalence and causative mycobacterial species. The disease causes tremendous losses in livestock and wildlife and remains a significant threat to public health. A cross-sectional study employing a systematic random sampling of cattle (n = 300) with the collection of retropharyngeal lymph nodes and tonsils (n = 300) irrespective of granulomatous lesions was carried out in six abattoirs to investigate the prevalence and identify mycobacterial species using culture, acid-fast bacteria staining, polymerase chain reaction, and GeneXpert assay. Individual risk factors and the origin of samples were analysed for association with the prevalence. Of the 300 sample pools, six were collected with visible TB-like lesions. Our findings demonstrated the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) in 1.7% (5/300) of sampled slaughtered cattle. Mycobacterium bovis was isolated from 1.3% (4/300) animals while one case was caused by a rifampicin-resistant (RR) M. tuberculosis. Non-tuberculous mycobacteria were identified in 12.0% (36/300) of the sampled cattle. There were no significant associations between the prevalence and abattoir category, age, sex, and breeds of slaughtered cattle. This study is the first in Rwanda to isolate both M. bovis and RR M. tuberculosis in slaughtered cattle indicating that bTB is present in Rwanda with a low prevalence. The isolation of RR M. tuberculosis from cattle indicates possible zooanthroponotic transmission of M. tuberculosis and close human-cattle contact. To protect humans against occupational zoonotic diseases, it is essential to control bTB in cattle and raise the awareness among all occupational groups as well as reinforce biosafety at the farm level and in the abattoirs.

Prevalence and Molecular Characterization of Mycobacterium bovis in Slaughtered Cattle Carcasses in Burkina Faso; West Africa.

This cross-sectional study was conducted at the slaughterhouses/slabs of Oudalan and Ouagadougou in Burkina Faso, between August and September 2013. It aimed at determining the prevalence of bovine tuberculosis (bTB) suggestive lesions in slaughtered cattle carcasses and to identify and characterize the mycobacteria isolated from these lesions. A thorough postmortem examination was conducted on carcasses of a total of 2165 randomly selected cattle. The overall prevalence of bTB suggestive lesions was 2.7% (58/2165; 95% CI 2.1–3.5%). Due to the low number of positive samples, data were descriptively presented. The lesions were either observed localized in one or a few organs or generalized (i.e., miliary bTB) in 96.6% (n = 57) and 3.4% (n = 2), respectively. The identified mycobacteria were M. bovis (44.4%, n = 20), M. fortuitum (8.9%, n = 4), M. elephantis (6.7%, n = 3), M. brumae (4.4%, n = 2), M. avium (2.2%, n = 1), M. asiaticum (2.2%, n = 1), M. terrae (2.2%, n = 1), and unknown non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) (11.1%, n = 5). Moreover, eight mixed cultures with more than one Mycobacterium species growing were also observed, of which three were M. bovis and M. fortuitum and three were M. bovis and M. elephantis. In conclusion, M. bovis is the predominant causative agent of mycobacterial infections in the study area. Our study has identified a base to broaden the epidemiological knowledge on zoonotic transmission of mycobacteria in Burkina Faso by future studies investigating further samples from humans and animals, including wild animals employing molecular techniques.

Prevalence of bovine tuberculosis in Kaduna central abattoir, Kaduna State, Nigeria

Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) caused by Mycobacterium bovis is a chronic infectious and contagious disease of domestic and wild animals, as well as humans. The disease has been reported in various livestock species in Nigeria. The aim of the study was therefore to determine the prevalence and epidemiological factors of Mycobacterium species infection in slaughtered cattle at the Kaduna Central Abattoir, Kaduna State, Nigeria. Lesions were determined by observation/palpation for nodules in the predilection organs and further use of acid-fast stain test on such lesions. The study showed an overall prevalence of 14% by acid fast staining and 17% by the presence of lesions. Among the Breed prevalence was 57.1% (White Fulani), 23.2% (Sokoto Gudali) and 19.6% (Red Bororo). Sex prevalence was 48.2% and 51.8% for cows and bulls, respectively. Age prevalence was 17.9% and 82.1% for &lt;4 year-old and &gt;4year-old, respectively. Detection of lesions of bTB in slaughtered cattle poses a public health risk. This study has added useful epidemiological information on bTB infection in cattle slaughtered at Kaduna Central Abattoir. Enhanced public education and awareness campaigns should be carried out among meat handlers and abattoir workers, especially on the mode of transmission, aetiology, and public health importance of bTB. There is the need to conduct molecular detection of the actual Mycobacterium species infecting cattle, other domestic animals and humans with a view to fully understand the status of bTB in Kaduna State, Nigeria.

Prevalence and risk factors associated with bovine tuberculosis in local and crossbred dairy cattle in Debre Berhan milk shed, central Ethiopia

Bovine tuberculosis is a chronic and contagious disease of animals and humans with worldwide distribution. A cross-sectional study was employed to estimate the prevalence of bovine tuberculosis and its associated risk factors in dairy cattle found in the Debre Berhan milk shed. The study covered three districts found in the Debre Berhan milk shed for the duration of six months extending from July to December 2018. A single intradermal comparative cervicaltuberculin test was used as a screening test of bovine tuberculosis. Face-to-face interview using a structured questionnaire was also employed to collect data on the risk factors associated with bovine tuberculosis. A binary logistic regression statistical model was used for data analysis. The finding showed that the apparent individual animal level prevalence was 17% (106/625; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 14.2-20.2) at ≥ a 4mm cut-off value in 625 heads of dairy cattle tested. The herd prevalence was 16.7% (16/96; 95% CI: 10.1-26) at ≥ a 4mm cut-off value in 96 dairy herds tested. Multivariable logistic regression analysis at ≥ a 4mm cut-off value revealed that dairy cattle in poor body condition (Adjusted Odd ratio [AOR] = 3.7; 95% CI: 1.6-8.4; p = 0.002), large herd size (AOR = 29.5; 95% CI: 5.6-154.1; p = 0.000) and exotic breed (AOR = 3.7; 95% CI: 1.3-10.7; p = 0.018) had 4, 30 and 4 times the odds of tuberculin positivity with statistical significance, respectively compared to their counterparts. The findings in this study complement the works of other authors who conducted bovine tuberculosis studies elsewhere in Ethiopia. In conclusion, the prevalence of bovine tuberculosis in dairy cattle of Debre Berhan milk shedwas found to be moderately high both at animal and herd levels. Moreover, poor body condition, herd size, and breed were important predictors of tuberculin test positivity. A further in-depth study on the prevalence and associated risk factors using a larger sample size are recommended.

Prevalence of bovine tuberculosis in Kaduna central abattoir, Kaduna State, Nigeria

Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) caused by Mycobacterium bovis is a chronic infectious and contagious disease of domestic and wild animals, as well as humans. The disease has been reported in various livestock species in Nigeria. The aim of the study was therefore to determine the prevalence and epidemiological factors of Mycobacterium species infection in slaughtered cattle at the Kaduna Central Abattoir, Kaduna State, Nigeria. Lesions were determined by observation/palpation for nodules in the predilection organs and further use of acid-fast stain test on such lesions. The study showed overall prevalence of 14% by acid fast staining and 17% by the presence of lesions. Among the Breed prevalence was 57.1% (White Fulani), 23.2% (Sokoto Gudali) and 19.6% (Red Bororo). Sex prevalence was 48.2% and 51.8% for cows and bulls, respectively. Age prevalence was 17.9% and 82.1% for &lt; 4-year-old and &gt; 4 years old, respectively. Detection of lesions of bTB in slaughtered cattle poses a public health risk. This study has added useful epidemiological information on bTB infection in cattle slaughtered at Kaduna Central Abattoir. Enhanced public education and awareness campaigns should be carried out among meat handlers and abattoir workers, especially on the mode of transmission, aetiology, and public health importance of bTB. There is the need to conduct molecular detection of the actual Mycobacterium species infecting cattle, other domestic animals and humans with a view to fully understand the status of bTB in Kaduna State, Nigeria.

Prevalence of Bovine Tuberculosis among Cattle and Buffaloes in the Central Province of Sri Lanka

The Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is a chronic disease condition in dairy cattle and a proven global zoonosis. This study was designed to identify the prevalence of bTB in dairy cattle and buffaloes in the Central Province (CP) of Sri Lanka. Single Intradermal Comparative Cervical Tuberculin (SICCT) test was performed in 20 farms (n=616 cattle and buffaloes) in three districts (NuwaraEliya; NE, Kandy; KN, and Matale; MT) in the CP. Out of the SICCT positive samples, randomly selected serum samples (n=33) of eight farms were subjected to the rapid antibody (Ab) test for further confirmation. Results were evaluated for different risk factors; age, sex, parity, body condition score (BCS), breed, herd origin, reproductive status, herd size, type of management, and duration of farm establishment. The prevalence of bTB among individual cattle and buffaloes was 22% with a 50% herd-level prevalence. In NE and KN, 34% and 19% of individuals showed positive reactions for SICCT, respectively, while all the individuals in MT were negative. There were significant statistical associations (P&lt;0.05) were observed with the prevalence of bTB and BCS, breed, herd origin, and reproductive status; however, age, sex, parity, herd size, type of management, and duration of farm establishment were not statistically significant (P&gt;0.05) with the prevalence of bTB.The conclusion is that, based on the SICCT test, the estimated prevalence of bTB in cattle and buffaloes in the central province of Sri Lanka is relatively high (&gt;20%). The SICCT test could be recommended for the screening of the bTB in cattle and buffaloes in all regions of Sri Lanka to assess the island-wide prevalence of bTB, as this disease carries the risk of transmitting to humans and other susceptible animal species.

Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Diagnostic Efficacy of Bovine Tuberculosis in Slaughtered Animals at the Chiang Mai Municipal Abattoir, Thailand.

This study aimed to (1) investigate the prevalence of bovine tuberculosis (bTB) in slaughtered animals at the Chiang Mai Municipal abattoir in Chiang Mai, Thailand; (2) identify animal-level risk factors for bTB at the abattoir; and (3) evaluate the performance of techniques for bTB detection at the abattoir. From April 2020 to March 2021, 161 animals registered for slaughter were randomly selected for the study. Animal data including age, sex, species, body condition scores, and origins of the animals were collected. Meat inspection was performed by a trained meat inspector. Tissue samples of the lung, liver, and lymph nodes were collected for histopathological diagnosis and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) detection of Mycobacteria and specifically Mycobacterium bovis. The prevalence of bTB during meat inspection and PCR was calculated separately. Animal-level factors affecting bTB were determined using multivariate logistic regression analysis. The performance of meat inspection and PCR was evaluated using a Bayesian approach. The prevalence of bTB was 12.4% (20/161) and 34.8% (56/161) when the disease was diagnosed using meat inspection and PCR, respectively. Buffaloes had a significantly higher risk of being identified as bTB-positive using PCR compared to beef cattle (odds ratio = 2.19; confidence interval = 1.11–4.30). The median of posterior estimates of sensitivity (Se) and specificity (Sp) to detect bTB using meat inspection were 20.8% [95% posterior probability interval (PPI) = 9.1–36.5%] and 87.8% (95% PPI = 79.6–95.4%), respectively. The medians of the posterior estimates of Se and Sp for PCR were 88.6% (95% PPI = 70.5–98.3%) and 94.4% (95% PPI = 84.7–98.8%), respectively. These findings demonstrate that bTB is highly prevalent among slaughtered animals. PCR can be used as an ancillary test for bTB surveillance at abattoirs in Thailand.

Productivity loss and cost of bovine tuberculosis for the dairy livestock sector in Ethiopia

Bovine tuberculosis (BTB) is endemic in Ethiopia. Although upgraded dairy cattle account for only 1% of the total cattle population, they are the backbone of the marketed milk production in the country. Supported by research data outputs from three years, we report in this paper an estimate of the productivity loss and cost of BTB to the Ethiopian dairy sector in two dairy settings, the urban production system in Central Ethiopia (model 1) and the national upgraded dairy production (model 2). Primary data sources were used (e.g. market survey; three-year longitudinal productivity survey; abattoir survey) as well as secondary data sources. A matrix population model, composed of a population vector representing the herd composition that is repeatedly multiplied with a projection matrix, was developed to simulate the livestock dairy population. The initial herd structure was simulated over 30 years to obtain an equilibrium herd-structure representing an Eigenvector of the projection matrix. We performed an incremental cost of disease analysis by comparing livestock production with and without BTB during a period of 10 years. We assumed a BTB prevalence of 40%. In year ten, the Net present value (NPV) of livestock production in terms of milk, meat and hides was estimated at 154.5 million USD for model 1 and 1.7 billion USD for model 2. Loss of NPV over 10 years was estimated at 12 million USD for model 1 and 131.7 million USD for model 2, representing roughly 7.3% loss in NPV or 219 USD per animal. This is a benchmark against which a national TB control program could be developed in the future to calculate its benefit/cost ratio.

Tuberculosis in goats in Benoue area of North Cameroon: Prevalence, diagnostic performance of intradermal tuberculin skin test and zoonotic risk factors

Tuberculosis (TB) due to Mycobacterium bovis is a wasting disease of animals with severe public health significance. Though widely diagnosed in cattle and the performance of Tuberculin Skin Test (TST) at different cut-off points compared in various environmental conditions, there is dearth of information with respect to TB in goats in Cameroon. This study estimated the prevalence of bovine TB in goats in Benuoe area of Cameroon, based on the performance of TST against detection of tuberculous-like lesions and acid-fast bacilli as gold tests. The study detected goat TB based on tuberculous-like lesions (27.87%), acid-fast bacilli (3.29%); and bovine TB positive reactions (12.28%, 95%CI: 9.19–15.95), (8.95%, 95%CI: 6.31–12.23) and (5.37%, 95%CI: 3.36–8.09) at Single intradermal cervical tuberculin (SICT) ≥2.5mm, ≥3mm, and ≥4mm and (2.30%, 95%CI: 1.06–4.32), (1.79%, 95%CI: 0.72–3.65) and (1.02%, 95%CI: 0.28– 2.60) at Single intradermal comparative cervical tuberculin (SICCT) ≥2mm, ≥3mm, and ≥4mm cut-off points, respectively. SICT and SICCT sensitivity (11.76%) against detection of tuberculous-like lesions was significantly lower [p&lt;0.05] with slight agreements [Kappa=0.161] compared to sensitivity (100%) and perfect agreements [Kappa=1.00] against detection of acid-fast bacilli at these cut-offs. The Bayesian model revealed a goat TB prevalence of 18.41% (95%CI: 11.73–27.00) using SICT and 4.28 (95%CI: 1.26–8.60) using SICCT with the performance characteristic being higher for SICT than SICCT at ≥2mm cut-off. However, two-graph ROC (TG-ROC) analysis revealed that the optimal goat TB diagnosis with SICCT was at ≥2mm cut-off point. Many goat handlers were aware of health hazards of zoonotic TB but ignorant about goat TB and its possible zoonotic transmission to humans. The study reports the first comparative tuberculin skin test of goats in Benoue area of North-Cameroon and confirmed that zoonotic TB is a neglected health and production problem of goats in Cameroon that needs further investigated.