Tuberculosis

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Bovine TB guide

Every year thousands of animals all across the world are infected with a deadly disease which is known as Bovine Tuberculosis, or more commonly know as T.B. Tuberculosis is a chronic disease that can affect any part of the body but is commonly found in the lungs.

This disease dates back to the early 19th century when it was found in humans, mainly the scientists who had been working with the disease. Because of the work that these and other men did that dealt with the disease, a vaccine was developed in 1924 called BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guerin) by two French bacteriologists named Albert Leon Calmette and Alphense F.M. Guerin.

Not only do humans contract the disease but animals such as deer, cattle and goats can also be infected. Once a single animal is infected with the disease it can be passed to other animals from nose to nose contact which could occur at feed piles or when animals are mating. On the same note most people that are infected with the disease come from areas of over crowding and poverty where there is very little sanitation.

There are only a few ways to know that you are infected with the disease and the main one is to have a chest X-ray. The X-ray will reveal any presence of lung lesions and if these are found you will have to undergo more testing. Do to the recent outbreak of tuberculosis you should ask your doctor about checking and if you shoot a deer or have cattle you should have them tested before they are eaten. 

In the U.S. today, the threat of humans contracting bovine TB from animals is extremely remote. Health officials have confidence in the state's meat and milk supply. At risk are Michigan's deer herd and other wildlife species with their many social, ecological, and economic values. Also at risk are livestock industry, and, most importantly, the health of Michigan's citizens. By continuing to eliminate TB-infected animals from herds, paying close attention to the meat inspection and pasteurization processes, and using proper food handling and good management practices, the chance of bovine TB transmission from animals to humans is virtually eliminated

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For information about tuberculosis in other animals and in various countries Click here

Atypical TB