A Cross-Sectional Survey on Bovine Tuberculosis

Mycobacterium bovis (M. bovis) is among the members of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex which infects both animals and human beings. A cross sectional study was conducted at Woldiya municipal abattoir on 343 cattle to estimate the prevalence of bovine tuberculosis. Carcasses and organs of all study animals were first examined by routine and detailed abattoir meat inspections followed by microscopic examinations and finally by bacterial culture. Among 343 animals, 21 (6.12%) were diagnosed with gross tuberculous lesions by detailed abattoir meat inspections and routine abattoir meat inspection detected only 5 (1.45%) as tuberculosis positive, grossly. From 21 cattle suspected with tuberculosis based on detailed abattoir meat inspection; 3 out of 21 (19.05%) confirmed by growth on LJ media supplemented with pyruvate while 1 out of 21 (4.8%) testified with the growth on glycerol enriched LJ media. Relatively higher prevalence (6.12%) was recorded in Woldiya municipal abattoir, and based on the results obtained recommendations were forwarded.