What is Bovine Tuberculosis?

Bovine tuberculosis (TB) is a chronic disease of animals caused by a bacteria called Mycobacterium bovis, (M.bovis) which is closely related to the bacteria that cause human and avian tuberculosis. This disease can affect practically all mammals, causing a general state of illness, coughing and eventual death.

The name Tuberculosis comes from the nodules, called‘tubercles’, which form in the lymph nodes of affected animals.

Until the 1920s when control measures began in developed countries, it was one of the major diseases of domestic animals throughout the world. Today TB remains an important disease of cattle, wild animals, and is a signifi cant zoonosis (a disease of animals which can also infect humans).

TB is a disease listed in the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) Terrestrial Animal Health Code, and must be reported to the OIE as detailed in the OIE Terrestrial Animal Health Code.

Source: The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE)