Research Article
Health science
Bovine Tuberculosis in Ethiopia – A Review On Risk Factors And Its Public Health Importance
Bovine tuberculosis, a chronic infectious zoonotic disease of domestic animals and
humans is characterized by formation of granulomas in tissues especially lungs, lymph
nodes, liver, intestines and kidneys. Mycobacterium bovis an acid-fast bacterium is the
main etiological agent and transmitted both by erogenous and enterogenous routes. In
Ethiopia, bovine tuberculosis is endemic and mostly transmitted to humans by ingestion
of unpasteurized contaminated milk and close contact with infected animals. Disease
causes development of miliary tubercular lesions, chronic cough, and obstruction of air
passages, alimentary tract and blood vessels and enlargement of lymph nodes. A
spectrum of Cell-Mediated Immune Responses (CMI) predominate infection, projecting
the role of macrophages and T-cell populations. In advanced stage, there is increased
humoral response. Tuberculin tests; single intra-dermal and comparative intra-dermal
tests and other highly sensitive delayed type hyper-sensitivity tests are used for
diagnosing tuberculosis (TB) in live animals, TB eradication and also for international
trade. Vaccination of calves with attenuated bovine-strain of tuberculosis bacterium,
known as Bacillus of Calmette and Guerin (BCG) and testing and culling of infected
animals are important measures in bovine tuberculosis (BTB) control and prevention in
endemic areas like Ethiopia. Additionally, pasteurization of milk is important before
human consumption to reduce public health risks.
