A plan to stamp out animal TB:

A plan to stamp out animal TB:

Context

The road map to combat animal tuberculosis (or bovine TB) and its transmission to humans, referred to as zoonotic TB is launched.

How does Zoonotic TB spread?

• Zoonotic TB spreads through consumption of contaminated untreated meat or dairy products from diseased animals.
• In India, consumption of raw milk and living in close proximity to cattle has been attributed to high incidence rates of bovine TB in the central Indian populations. Farmers, dairy workers, and zoo keepers are at a greater risk.
• The priorities outlined in the road map highlight the need for multi-sectoral action to tackle this neglected form of TB and achieve the targets of the UN Sustainable Development Goals and WHO’s End TB Strategy.

What is Bovine TB?

• Bovine TB is a disease caused by a specific species of bacteria called M. bovis.  
• Bovine TB usually affects animals such as cattle, but it can affect any mammals causing a general state of illness, coughing and eventual death.
• The usual route of infection is by animals and humans inhaling infected droplets which are expelled from the lungs by coughing.

Role of enhanced surveillance

• Bovine TB is often communicated to humans through food consumption, usually non-heat-treated dairy products or raw, or improperly cooked meat from diseased animals.
• Direct transmission from infected animals or animal products to people can also occur.
• For countries to achieve the global TB elimination targets, interventions addressing zoonotic TB need to be introduced in the national programmes.
• Preventing and controlling bovine TB at its animal source is crucial to avoid its transmission to humans, improve food safety and protect the livelihood of many rural communities.
• Implementation of strategies based on international standards and a cross-sectoral approach will enable improved surveillance and diagnosis of the disease in animals and consequently reduce the risks for humans.

Conclusion

Bovine TB, caused by Mycobacterium bovis, affects cattle, threatens people’s livelihoods and results in major economic and trade barriers, as well as posing a major risk to food safety and human health. While governments have agreed to TB elimination goals, zoonotic TB continues to remain largely hidden.