Bovine tuberculosis

Bovine tuberculosis (TB), caused by Mycobacterium bovis, poses significant challenges to both human and animal health worldwide. This article examines various aspects of bovine TB, including its etiology, clinical symptoms in humans and animals, laboratory diagnosis, and vaccination strategies. In humans, bovine TB can manifest with symptoms such as persistent coughing, chest pain, weakness, and fever, while in animals, clinical signs may include progressive emaciation, fever, and respiratory distress. Laboratory diagnosis involves tuberculin skin tests, acid-fast staining, PCR, and isolation on selective media. Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine, derived from attenuated M. bovis, is effective in humans but less so in animals. While BCG vaccination remains an important tool for tuberculosis control in both populations, ongoing research efforts are focused on improving vaccine efficacy and implementing integrated control measures for comprehensive disease management.Top of Form