An overview on Bovine Tuberculosis and its economic significance

Tuberculosis is Mycobacterial disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) and is one of the major threats to human health. It has the characteristic feature of acid fast staining which proves the presence of bacterial wall. Bovine Tuberculosis is found globally but its presence is not observed in some countries and Antarctica due to its eradication by following strict policies. Economically, the dairy industry was heavily affected, Tuberculosis causes high morbidity of cattles and this leads to loss of dairy production. This infection amongst the animals leads to lose of 10-25% of their productive efficiency. This in turn pressurise the international trade to ban animals and animal product. Primarily, the transmission of Bovine tuberculosis is by the inhalation of Mycobacterium bovis which is the principal route to its infection. It is often facilitated by very close, prolonged contact between infected and healthy animals. No symptoms occur in early stage of disease that is asymptomatic. In advanced cases, the enlargement of lymph nodes may obstruct the air passages, alimentary tract, and blood vessels. Ante mortem examination based on clinical signs can be used for tentative and presumptive diagnosis. Mycobacterium bovis is not the major cause of human tuberculosis but it can infect human beings either by consuming infected animal products, by inhaling infective droplets or direct exposure to infected animals. Moreover, advance tuberculosis may lead to death of the animals and humans. Therefore, control and prevention of the disease is paramount to save the life of animals and humans and reduce banned trade.