Prevalence Of Bovine Tuberculosis Research Articles

Transmission dynamics and elimination potential of zoonotic tuberculosis in morocco.

Bovine tuberculosis (BTB) is an endemic zoonosis in Morocco caused by Mycobacterium bovis, which infects many domestic animals and is transmitted to humans through consumption of raw milk or from contact with infected animals. The prevalence of BTB in Moroccan cattle is estimated at 18%, and 33% at the individual and the herd level respectively, but the human M. bovis burden needs further clarification. The current control strategy based on test and slaughter should be improved through local context adaptation taking into account a suitable compensation in order to reduce BTB prevalence in Morocco and decrease the disease burden in humans and animals. We established a simple compartmental deterministic mathematical model for BTB transmission in cattle and humans to provide a general understanding of BTB, in particular regarding transmission to humans. Differential equations were used to model the different pathways between the compartments for cattle and humans. Scenarios of test and slaughter were simulated to determine the effects of varying the proportion of tested animals (p) on the time to elimination of BTB (individual animal prevalence of less than one in a thousand) in cattle and humans. The time to freedom from disease ranged from 75 years for p = 20% to 12 years for p = 100%. For p > 60% the time to elimination was less than 20 years. The cumulated cost was largely stable: for p values higher than 40%, cost ranged from 1.47 to 1.60 billion euros with a time frame of 12 to 32 years to reach freedom from disease. The model simulations also suggest that using a 2mm cut off instead of a 4mm cut off in the Single Intradermal Comparative Cervical Tuberculin skin test (SICCT) would result in cheaper and quicker elimination programs. This analysis informs Moroccan bovine tuberculosis control policy regarding time frame, range of cost and levels of intervention. However, further research is needed to clarify the national human-bovine tuberculosis ratio in Morocco.

Prevalence and Risk Factors for Mycobacterium bovis Infection in African Lions ( Panthera leo ) in the Kruger National Park.

Mycobacterium bovis, the causative agent of bovine tuberculosis (BTB), is endemic in the Kruger National Park (KNP), South Africa. African lions ( Panthera leo ) are susceptible to BTB, but the impact of the disease on lion populations is unknown. In this study, we used a novel gene expression assay for chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 9 (CXCL9) to measure the prevalence of M. bovis infection in 70 free-ranging lions that were opportunistically sampled in the southern and central regions of the KNP. In the southern region of the KNP, the apparent prevalence of M. bovis infection was 54% (95% confidence interval [CI]=36.9-70.5%), compared with 33% (95% CI=18.0-51.8%) in the central region, an important difference (P=0.08). Prevalence of M. bovis infection in lions showed similar patterns to estimated BTB prevalence in African buffaloes ( Syncerus caffer ) in the same areas. Investigation of other risk factors showed a trend for older lions, males, or lions with concurrent feline immunodeficiency virus infection to have a higher M. bovis prevalence. Our findings demonstrate that the CXCL9 gene expression assay is a useful tool for the determination of M. bovis status in free-ranging lions and identifies important epidemiologic trends for future studies.

Prevalence of Bovine Tuberculosis Using Abattoir Meat Inspection in Cattle Slaughtered at Gondar Elfora Abattoir, North Ethiopia

Bovine tuberculosis (BTB) is endemic in Ethiopia and like other developing countries in Africa. Ethiopia has limited laboratory and other diagnostic facilities. Therefore, abattoir inspection still remains the only option for monitoring BTB prevalence in domestic animals. A cross-sectional type of study was conducted at Gondar ELFORA abattoir from October, 2009 to April, 2010 to assess the prevalence of BTB slaughtered cattle. During this time, a total of 500 animals under gone on ante mortem and detailed post mortem inspections and 43(8.6%) of the animals were found to be with tuberculous lesions. About 84.8% of the tuberculous lesions were found in the lymph nodes of the thoracic cavity (mediastinal and bronchial), followed by 11.6% in the lymph nodes of the abdominal cavity (mesenteric) and the remaining 4.65% in the lymph nodes of the head (retropharyngeal). From the 43 cattle samples that were suspicious to contain tuberculous lesions, samples of lymph nodes were cultured on Lowenstein-Jensen media and growth of <i>Mycobacterium</i> was observed on 5/43(11.6%) samples. In this study, age (&chi;²=3.351, p value=0.187) and breed (&chi;²=1.087, p value=0.29) have not shown any association with post mortem results whereas origin (&chi;²=147.179, p value=0.0252), anatomical sites (&chi;²=468.814, p value=0.00), sex &chi;²=23.688, p value=0.011), body condition score (&chi;²=17.342, p value=0.00) and culture results (&chi;²=121.48, p value=0.00) have shown associations with post mortem result. Based on this study, it is recommended that integrated preventive approaches involving enhanced surveillance of the disease through establishment of standardized abattoirs well-equipped with laboratory facilities.

Bovine Tuberculosis Prevalence, Potential Risk Factors and Its Public Health Implication in Selected State Dairy Farms, Central Ethiopia

Bovine Tuberculosis Prevalence, Potential Risk Factors and Its Public Health Implication in Selected State Dairy Farms, Central Ethiopia

Abattoir Based Prevalence, Economic Losses and Veterinarians High-Risk Practices Survey of Bovine Tuberculosis in Mid-Delta of Egypt

Bovine Tuberculosis (BTB) is a devastating zoonotic disease with extended influence on animals' productivity, economy and public health. Over three years, a total of 30,841 slaughtered animals (11,389 cows and 19,452 buffaloes) were surveyed for the presence of tuberculous lesions by post-mortem examination in El-Mahalla El-Kubra abattoir in Mid-Delta of Egypt. The overall prevalence of tuberculous lesions among all the slaughtered carcasses was 0.7% (219/30841). Lungs were the most common organ showed tuberculous lesions in cows with a prevalence of 0.24% (27/11389). However, tuberculous lesions were predominately detected in the intestine of buffalo carcasses with a prevalence of 0.45% (87/19452). There was no significant difference associated with either the annual pattern of BTB prevalence or seasonal variation for the two species over the 3 years of the study. Direct economic losses associated with the condemnation of 3105 Kg of meat and 162.5 Kg of liver due to tuberculous lesions was valued as 197,675 EGP (28544.3 USD). Majority of abattoir’s veterinarians injured accidentally during meat inspection at least once a week, yet they never use gloves for protection and some of them won’t cover their wound (42.9%) or even use antiseptics (57.1%). Reported carcasses with BTB lesions may pose a potential public health hazards either for abattoir’s workers or for public consumers when infected carcasses accidentally enter the food chain. Integrated disease surveillance, control of unauthorized slaughtering outside the abattoirs and educational training of veterinarians regarding occupational hazards and protective measures are urgently recommended in attempts to control such infections in the study region.

국내 흑염소에서의 소결핵, 브루셀라, Q fever 유병률 연구

국내 흑염소에서의 소결핵, 브루셀라, Q fever 유병률 연구

THE PREVALENCE OF TUBERCULOSIS IN CATTLE AND THEIR HANDLERS IN NORTH TONGU, VOLTA REGION, GHANA.

Background:The need to understand the contribution of bovine tuberculosis (BTB) to the general tuberculosis burden in a poor resource setting is paramount. The aim of this study is to determine the burden of BTB among herdsmen and cattle in the North Tongu district of Volta Region in Ghana.Materials and Methods:A cross- sectional study was conducted in the North Tongu District of the Volta Region between the period of October 2011- March 2012. A well-structured questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic information and possible risk factor information on cattle from participants. Sputum samples from 68 herdsmen and blood samples from 200 cattle belonging to these herdsmen were also collected. Sputum samples were analyzed using Ziehl- Neelsen staining while Anigen Rapid BTB Test was used for Cattle blood samples.Results:Ninety percent (61/68) of respondents were also found to consume fresh milk while 84% (57/68) do not use protective clothing. Of a total of 1580 cattle owned by the herdsmen, 200 cattle consisting of 14 bulls and 186 cows were screened where the prevalence of bovine TB was 19% (38/200) and those affected were all females. All (100%) human sample tested negative for Acid-Fast Bacilli (AFB). However, the seropositivity of cattle and kraal density were statistically associated (p= 0.001).Conclusion:Bovine TB is prevalent in cattle in North Tongu district. Although herdsmen indulge in risky lifestyles that expose them to BTB, a zero prevalence of BTB was observed, further study is envisaged using a larger sample size.

Prevalence and herd-level risk factors of bovine tuberculosis in the State of Santa Catarina

With the aim of supporting the strategic planning of the National Program for Control and Eradication of Brucellosis and Tuberculosis, different Brazilian states have been conducting cross-sectional studies, coordinated by the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Supply and with scientific support from the University of São Paulo and the University of Brasilia. In Santa Catarina, the State Animal Health Agency (CIDASC) conducted a study on bovine tuberculosis (TB) prevalence and assessment of risk factors in 2012. The state was divided into five regions and, in each region, independent sampling was performed in two steps: (i) cattle herds with reproductive activity were randomly selected; and (ii) in each herd, a sample of females aged 24 months or older underwent the intradermal comparative tuberculin test. A questionnaire was used to collect data on production characteristics and management practices that could be associated with the tuberculosis infection. Herd prevalence of bovine TB was 0.50% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.074–0.93%) while the prevalence of TB in adult females was 0.06% (95% CI: 0–0.12%). No significant difference in the prevalence of infected herds and of positive females was observed among the five regions. The logistic regression model revealed that herds with 19 or more females showed an odds ratio (OR) of 7.68 (95% CI: 1.22–48.39) compared to smaller herds, while dairy herds presented an OR of 10.43 (95% CI: 2.00–54.25) relative to beef or dual-purpose herds. The results suggest that dairy herds, in which animals are kept in partial or total confinement, and larger herds, which tend to acquire animals more often, are at a higher risk of bovine TB. Given the low prevalence and the type of higher-risk properties, a bovine TB surveillance system should be targeted at the state’s dairy basins, particularly the western region that accounts for the major industries and more intensive dairy farms.

Epidemiological situation of bovine tuberculosis in the State of Pernambuco, Brazil

The epidemiological situation of bovine tuberculosis was studied in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil. The state was divided into three regions, and a predetermined number of properties was randomly sampled in each region. In each property, females aged 24 months or older were randomly selected and subjected to the cervical comparative tuberculin test. Altogether, 5,728 animals from 906 properties were tested. In the evaluated properties, an epidemiological questionnaire was applied to identify risk factors related to bovine tuberculosis. The prevalence of infected herds and infected animals and in the state was 2.87% [1.82–4.50] and 0.62% [0.29–1.29], respectively. There was a predominance trend of infected herds in the properties located in the dry areas of Pernambuco, where most dairy properties are found. The risk factors related to the occurrence of positive herds were: presence of 18 or more cows in the herd, milking the cows two or three times a day, and sharing the grazing area. In conclusion, the prevalence of bovine tuberculosis in Pernambuco is low, and the best strategy to be adopted is the implementation of a surveillance system for detection and sanitation of infected herds, preferably by incorporating risk-based surveillance strategies. In addition, the State should implement an effective sanitary program to enable producers to test their animals for bovine tuberculosis before inserting them into the herds, as well as avoid sharing the grazing areas with properties that are not free of bovine tuberculosis.

Epidemiological status of bovine tuberculosis in the Federal District of Brazil

Considering the implementation of the National Program for the Control and Eradication of Animal Brucellosis and Tuberculosis (PNCEBT) in 2001, and the need to determine the epidemiological status of animal tuberculosis for future evaluation of the effectiveness of the measures laid down, the objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence and identify risk factors of bovine tuberculosis in the Federal District (DF) of Brazil, as well as to provide an input for the strategic management of PNCEBT. Field testing and data collection was carried out from February to December 2003. The DF was considered a single epidemiological region owing to the small number of existing farms, and the absence of significant differences between the region’s farming enterprises, which would justify the stratification of the regional sample. A total of 278 farms were randomly sampled from the local registry database of bovine farms with reproductive activity, in which 2,019 adult cows were tuberculin tested. Only one sampled animal had a positive result, using the comparative cervical tuberculin test, resulting in a bovine tuberculosis prevalence of 0.05% [95% CI: 0.0-0.4%]. The herd-level prevalence of bovine tuberculosis in the DF was estimated as 0.36% [95% CI: 0-2.0%]. The analysis of risk factors was impaired by the results obtained, as the number of cases did not allow for this kind of analysis. Cattle farming in the DF is predominantly aimed at dairy production; however, it is characterized by the presence of small low milk yield herds, which may not favor the introduction and persistency of infection of Mycobacterium bovis. Health authorities from the DF perform surveillance for bovine tuberculosis and maintain the need for tests for the movement of bovines for breeding and those animals destined for any form of animal gathering, especially auctions. Therefore, it is likely that the DF has good conditions for successfully implementing the PNCEBT.

Molecular and epidemiological population-based integrative analysis of human and animal Mycobacterium bovis infections in a low-prevalence setting

Human Mycobacterium bovis infections are considered to be due to reactivations, when involve elderly people, or to recent transmissions, when exposure is occupational. We determined the cause of M. bovis infections by genotyping M. bovis isolates in a population-based study integrating human and animal databases. Among the 1,586 tuberculosis (TB) cases in Asturias, Northern Spain (1,080,000 inhabitants), 1,567 corresponded to M. tuberculosis and 19 to M. bovis. The number of human isolates sharing genotype with cattle isolates was higher than expected (47%) for a setting with low prevalence of bovine TB and efficient control programs in cattle. The risk of exposure to infected animals was probable/possible in most of these matched cases (77.7%). Recent transmission was the likely explanation of most M. bovis infections in elderly people. A potential human-to-human transmission was found. Our study illustrates a model of collaboration between human and animal health professionals to provide a precise snapshot of the transmission of M. bovis in the human-animal interface.

Epidemiological status of bovine tuberculosis in the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil, 2013

A cross sectional study was performed to assess the epidemiological status of bovine tuberculosis in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, in 2013. The state was divided into seven regions, and a preset number of herds was randomly sampled in each region. From each farm, female cattle aged 24 months or older were randomly sampled and subjected to the comparative cervical tuberculin test (CCTT). Animals with inconclusive test results were re-tested with the same diagnostic procedure after a minimum interval of 60 days. A total of 31?832 animals were tested from 2?182 farms. An epidemiological questionnaire was administered in the farms to identify risk factors associated with bovine tuberculosis. Prevalence in the state was estimated at 4.25% (95% CI: 3.36% – 5.15%) for herds and at 0.56% (95% CI: 0.46% – 0.66%) for animals. Data on herd prevalence for bovine tuberculosis for each stratum showed the highest prevalences at region Sul e Sudoeste (stratum 5) and region Central (stratum 3) which were significantly different from the lowest prevalences found at regions Noroeste, Norte e Nordeste (stratum 1) and region Leste (stratum 2). The highest animal prevalences observed for the region Sul e Sudoeste (stratum 5), region Zona da Mata (stratum 4) and region Central (stratum 3) were significantly different from the lowest ones at region Triângulo Mineiro (stratum 7), region Noroeste, Norte, e Nordeste (stratum 1) and region Leste (stratum 2). The presence of bovine tuberculosis was associated with animal purchase from cattle traders (OR?=?2.59 [95% CI: 1.28 – 5.20]), higher yield intensive dairy (OR?=?7.55 [95% CI: 1.89% – 30.09%]) and non-intensive dairy production (OR?=?3.58 [95% CI: 1.06% – 12.04%]), as well as with herds with 30 or more cows (OR?=?1.97 [95% CI: 1.02 – 3.80]). Non-specific reactors to the CCTT were found in 95.07% (95% CI: 94.05% - 96.09%) of the herds. Therefore, the state of Minas Gerais should implement surveillance systems for the detection and sanitation of infected herds, preferably incorporating risk-based surveillance elements, considering the results of the present study.

Prevalence and risk factors of bovine tuberculosis in dairy cattle in Eritrea.

BackgroundThe prevalence of bovine tuberculosis (BTB) in dairy cattle in the three major milk producing regions of Eritrea was assessed by subjecting 15,354 dairy cattle, 50 % of Eritrea’s dairy cattle population, to the single intradermal comparative tuberculin test (SICTT). Skin test results were interpreted according to guidelines of the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) with >4 mm as cutoff in skin thickness increase. In addition, we studied the relation between ‘physiological’ variables related to pregnancy and lactation, and the variable ‘region’ on the probability to be skin test positive.ResultsThe BTB prevalences at animal and herd levels were: 21.5 % and 40.9 % in Maekel, 7.3 % and 10 % in Debub, and 0.2 % and 1.6 % in the Anseba region, respectively. Overall, in the regions included, prevalence was 11.3 % (confidence interval (CI) 95 % CI, 11.29 – 11.31 %) and 17.3 % (95 % CI, 17.27–17.33 %), at animal and herd level, respectively. Considering positive herds only, the animal BTB prevalence was 36.8 %, 30.1 %, and 1.8 %, in Maekel, Debub and Anseba, respectively, and the overall animal prevalence within these herds was 32 %. In adult dairy cattle the probability of positive reactivity in the SICTT test was highest in pregnant animals as compared to the other categories.ConclusionThis study reports persistent prevalence of BTB as defined by positive SICTT in the dairy sector of Eritrea, especially in the regions of Maekel and Debub that are located in the central highlands of the country. To our understanding this is the first report that has encompassed all the major dairy farms in Eritrea and it will be instrumental in advocating future BTB control programs in the dairy sector.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12917-016-0705-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Diagnostic efficacy of abattoir meat inspection for detecting bovine tuberculosis at Adama municipal abattoir, Ethiopia

Bovine tuberculosis (BTB) is endemic in Ethiopia and like other developing countries in Africa. Ethiopia has limited laboratory and other diagnostic facilities. Therefore, abattoir inspection still remains the only option for monitoring BTB prevalence in domestic animals. However, information regarding the efficacy of such routine abattoir (RA) inspection is limited. The present study was conducted on 500 slaughtered cattle heads, slaughtered at the Adama municipal abattoir, Ethiopia from December 2009 to April 2010 to elucidate the efficacy of RA inspection with respect to the detailed abattoir (DA) inspection, bacteriological isolation, and PCR. Diagnostic accuracy of the RA inspection was determined by calculating sensitivity and specificity. The agreement between both the inspection protocols was determined by using kappa statistics. Results showed that there was a moderate agreement between the two inspection protocols (kappa = 0.43) conducted at Adama municipal abattoir, Ethiopia. The sensitivity and specificity of RA were 57.14 [CI 28.92–82.24] and 71.79 % [CI 55.12–84.98] when isolation was considered as reference test and 33.33 [CI 5.33–77.32] and 75.00 % [CI 35.05–96.07] when PCR was considered as reference test. However, DA inspection showed higher sensitivity, when isolation {82.35 % (14/17) [95 % CI 56.55–95.99]} and PCR {75 % (6/8) [95 % CI 35.05–96.07]} were considered as reference tests. The RA inspection failed to detect 69.81 %TB-infected carcasses which increased the chances of BTB-infected carcasses being released into the food chain. Based on our study, it is recommended that integrated preventive approaches involving enhanced surveillance of the disease through establishment of standardized abattoirs well-equipped with laboratory facilities. Also, adequate training to meat inspectors is essential to prevent the spread of the disease.

Detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Mycobacterium bovis in Sahiwal cattle from an organized farm using ante-mortem techniques.

Aim:The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of bovine tuberculosis (TB) and detection of Mycobacterium bovis in cattle from an organized dairy farm.Materials and Methods:A total of 121 animals (93 females and 28 males) of 1 year and above were studied for the prevalence of bovine TB using single intradermal comparative cervical tuberculin (SICCT) test, bovine gamma-interferon (γ-IFN) enzyme immunoassay, and polymerase chain reactions (PCRs).Results:Out of total 121 animals, 17 (14.04%) animals were positive reactors to SICCT test while only one (0.82%) animal for γ-IFN assay. By PCR, Mycobacterium TB complex was detected in 19 (15.70%) animals out of which 4 (3.30%) animal were also positive for M. bovis.Conclusions:Diagnosis of bovine TB can be done in early stage in live animals with multiple approaches like skin test followed by a molecular technique like PCR which showed promising results.

Preliminary Study on the Prevalence of Bovine Tuberculosis and Risk Factors among Pastoralists in Gombe State, North Eastern Nigeria

A cross-sectional study was conducted in GombeState (North- eastern, Nigeria) from March, 2011 to April 2013 to estimate the prevalence of bovine tuberculosis (BTB) based on single caudal intradermal tuberculin test (SCITT), questionnaire and an abattoirs survey. The study was conducted among 250 households (100 household with a history or confirmed case of pulmonary tuberculosis and 150 households who had no history or confirmed case of pulmonary Tb), who raised 217 herds comprising of 2,245 herds of cattle. Questionnaire administration and Bioline® analysis of sputa collected from all pastoralists who were suspected to have TB and were smear positive were also conducted. Herd prevalence of SCITT was 13.87% and was higher than in herds of the negative households. At least one human Tb case was observed among 25% of the households interviewed, whereas 48% had reactor cattle. However, there was no statistically significant association (P>0.05) between the human Tb cases observed and the presence of reactor cattle. Similarly, fourty (40) isolates of Mycobacteria spp were obtained from the cultured sputa collected from the pastoralists, and were subjected to Ziehl-Nelson (ZN) and Bioline® analysis, where sixteen (16) of the (40%) were found to be M. tuberculosis complex (MTC) and the remaining 24 (60%) were members of Non- tuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM). All the isolates obtained (both sputum and tissues) which were identified as MBTC, were subjected to genotype MBTC ® Hain assay PCR analysis in order to differentiate them in to their various species of the MBTC isolates from the tissues, 8 (4.0%) were found to be M. bovis, 5(2.5%) wereM.tb and the remaining 5(2.5%) were unidentified using the standard banding patterns. The 40MBTC from sputum were analyzed as follows, 30 (75%) as M.tb, 6(15%) were M. bovis and 3(7.5%) were M. africanum. The remaining 1(0.4%) were unidentified using the standard banding patterns. All the isolates obtained (both sputum and tissues) which were identified as MBTC, were subjected to genotype MBTC ® Hain assay PCR analysis in order to differentiate them in to their various species of the MBTC isolates from the tissues, 8 (4.0%) were found to be M. bovis, 5(2.5%) wereM. tb and the remaining 5(2.5%) were unidentified using the standard banding patterns. The 40MBTC from sputum were analyzed as follows, 30 (75%) as M.tb, 6(15%) were M. bovis and 3(7.5%) were M. africanum. The remaining 1(0.4%) were unidentified using the standard banding patterns. However, a significant difference (p>0.05) was observed among the cattle age group, cattle over five (5) years were seen to have higher odds for tuberculin reactivity compared to those below the age of five (5). Out of the total cattle population (57,943) subjected to post mortem examination at the abattoir, 205 were found to be positive for gross Tb lesions, where a large proportion (50%) of the lesions were recorded in the respiratory pathway, digestive system (21%) and prescapular lymph nodes (18.6%). In spite of all these findings, it was observed that 70% (175 out of 250) of the respondents had knowledge of the existence of the disease but did not know the zoonotic implication. Also, all the potential risk factors of the disease transmission between cattle and human (milk consumption, livestock husbandry and presence of Tb positive cattle) were not statistically significantly (P< 0.05). In conclusion, it was observed that cattle belonging to the pastoralists who were positive for Mycobacterium species were more affected than those who were negative and lack of zoonotic awareness of the households. Therefore, further study to differentiate the MTC (Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex) using molecular analysis, collaboration between physicians and veterinarians and creation of awareness about the zoonotic nature of the disease were recommended.

Preliminary Study on the Prevalence of Bovine Tuberculosis and Risk Factors Among Pastoralists in Gombe State, North Eastern Nigeria

Preliminary Study on the Prevalence of Bovine Tuberculosis and Risk Factors Among Pastoralists in Gombe State, North Eastern Nigeria

Risk factors associated with Mycobacterium bovis skin positivity in cattle and buffalo in Peshawar, Pakistan.

A cross-sectional study was carried out to determine the prevalence of bovine tuberculosis (bTB) and associated risk factors in cattle and buffalo in Peshawar, Pakistan. Cattle and buffalo, randomly selected from all four towns of District Peshawar, were screened for bovine tuberculosis using comparative cervical intradermal tuberculin test (CCIT). For obtaining data on risk factors, sociodemographic condition, animal characteristics, and management, interviewer administered pretested questionnaire to animal owners. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to measure association between risk factors and comparative cervical intradermal tuberculin reactors. A total of 556 cattle and buffalo were screened for bovine tuberculosis. Out of 556 animals screened, 5.75% (3.9-8.0%) were found positive. The prevalence was higher in old animals (p = 0.001) as compared to younger animals. Prevalence also varied with source of animal (either raised on farm or purchased), stay of animals at night (indoor or outdoor), and herd size. Farmer's knowledge about transmission of TB from animals to human as well as signs and symptoms of TB was extremely low. Only 3.6% farmers correctly stated the combination of three major symptoms of TB. Results of the study call for immediate intervention to control bTB in animals as well as its transmission to human population. Furthermore, it is suggested to emphasize on local epidemiology of bTB and husbandry practices of cattle and buffalo during the control program.

Molecular Epidemiology of Bovine Tuberculosis in Cattle and its Public Health Implications in Gambella Region, Ethiopia

A cross sectional study was conducted from December 2014 to May 2015 in Gambella town municipal abattoir and health centers to investigate the prevalence of bovine tuberculosis, isolation and molecular characterization of its causative agents, and to assess its public health implications in Gambella, Ethiopia. Postmortem examination, bacteriological culturing, RD deletion typing, and spoligotyping were used for investigation. The overall prevalence of bovine tuberculosis in cattle was 13.2% (66/500) on the basis of detailed postmortem examination. Statistical significant difference was observed in the prevalence of bovine tuberculosis among different body conditioned animals (χ2 = 39.105, P=0.000 and breeds (χ2 = 24.996, P=0.000). Molecular characterization of 11 mycobacterial isolates from human patients using RD9 deletion typing showed that all were M. tuberculosis , and further spoligotyping of the isolates revealed that SIT289, SIT134, SIT1634, SIT142 and one new strain (not found in the spoligotype databases). Of these M. tuberculosis strains identified, SIT 289 and SIT134 were found in cluster with 45.5% (5/11) cluster rate. Lineage of the human isolates indicated that 27.3% (3/11) were in Euro-American, and 9.1% (1/11) Indo-oceanic family in TB-insight database. Interestingly, one isolate from animal taken from mediastinal lymph node was confirmed to be M. tuberculosis using RD4 deletion typing and spoligotyping, in which the isolate was identified as SIT523 with Indo-oceanic lineage family. Awareness of cattle owners for bovine tuberculosis was found insufficient (22%), and the results also revealed the presence of potential risk factor for zoonotic transmission. In conclusion, isolation of M. tuberculosis in cattle, and occurrence of various strains of M. tuberculosis in the communities warrants further systematic investigation on the transmission of the disease in Gambella region of Ethiopia.

Cross-Sectional Study and Comparison of Different Diagnostic Methods of Bovine Tuberculosis in Gondar Elfora Abattoir, Ethiopia

Background: The prevalence of bovine tuberculosis is high in developing countries due to lack of awareness, good diagnostic methods and prevention strategies. Therefore, this study aims to estimate the prevalence of bovine tuberculosis and compare the efficacy of different procedures of diagnosis. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted at Gondar Elfora abattoir from December, 2005 to June, 2006. To this effect, comparison has been made between the detailed postmortem examination and routine meat inspection procedures with gold standard culture result. Result: Out of 402 animals examined at slaughter, 15.9% were diagnosed with gross tuberculous lesions by detailed laboratory examination. Routine abattoir inspection detected only 2.9% of the tuberculous cattle. From 64 cattle considered tuberculous, 10 show growth in Lowenstein-Jensen. The average number of lesions per infected cattle was 1.6% and 55.5% of cattle with tuberculous lesions possessed single lesion. All the traits (including sex, age and body condition score) measured in relation to tuberculous lesions did not show a statistically significant difference among the categories. The sensitivity of routine meat inspection was 18.8% with detailed postmortem examination and 30% with culture in comparison with 83.3% specificity. There was a poor agreement (k=0.18) between routine meat inspection and detailed postmortem examination procedures. Similarly, a poor agreement (k=0.12) was obtained between routine meat inspection procedure and culture result. Conclusion: Relatively higher prevalence was recorded, and there is a need to improve the sensitivity of routine abattoir inspection procedures to diagnose tuberculous.