Bovine tuberculosis

Important notice: Mycobacterium bovis is a bacterial pathogen that causes tuberculosis in animals and humans. It is not a plant disease. The agronomist-editor of agronom.info clarifies that this microorganism is a zoonotic infectious agent and does not infect agricultural crops, trees, or garden plants.

The causative agent is an aerobic, non-motile bacterium called Mycobacterium bovis, part of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex. This pathogen is noted for its high environmental resistance, capable of surviving in the soil, water, and manure for several months, which necessitates strict biosafety protocols in livestock farming.

Cattle are the primary host for the infection. The bacteria invade the host's body and settle in organs, primarily the lungs and lymph nodes, leading to the formation of tubercles (granulomas). The disease is highly infectious within a herd and represents a significant public health risk due to its zoonotic nature, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans.

Clinical signs are often insidious and may include a chronic, hacking cough, progressive weight loss (wasting), and lethargy. In many cases, infected animals do not show visible symptoms in the early stages, making routine herd testing the only effective way to detect the presence of the pathogen before an outbreak occurs.

Prevention and control strategies focus on maintaining a TB-free status through rigorous management:

• Regular tuberculin skin testing of all animals in the herd.
• Strict quarantine procedures for any new animals introduced to the farm.
• Sanitation and regular disinfection of barns, equipment, and water troughs.
• Proper management of slurry and waste disposal.
• Prompt culling of reactors identified during testing to prevent further spread.