Bovine tuberculosis in northwest Espírito Santo

Abstract

Bovine tuberculosis is a zoonosis that has a chronic evolution, caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium bovis, whose definitive host is the bovine. However, this agent can infect other hosts, including man. Bovine tuberculosis is responsible for significant economic losses to livestock and is an important zoonosis, responsible for a high number of deaths every year. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence rate of bovine tuberculosis and identify the main affected organs of animals slaughtered in a slaughterhouse in the northwest of the state of Espírito Santo, under the Federal Inspection Service (SIF) in the year 2021. Between January and December 2021, 26,406 cattle were slaughtered. Of these, 31 had lesions suggestive of tuberculosis on post-mortem examination. Of the 31 samples, 24 (77.42%) were PCR positive for tuberculosis. Seven samples (22.58%) were negative the prevalence of tuberculosis observed in the region was 0.09% of the animals slaughtered and inspected. Colatina was the municipality in the northwest of ES with more animals diagnosed with tuberculosis. The prevalence of bovine tuberculosis is lower in the northwest region of ES, when compared to the south region. However, it is recommended that the control measures for this disease should be continued according to the instructions of the National Program for the Control and Eradication of Animal Brucellosis and Tuberculosis – PNCEBT, since the disease is endemic in the country and is an important zoonosis. In addition, it is advisable to direct the inspection to the lymph nodes of the thoracic cavity and head since most tuberculosis lesions were confirmed in these regions.