Reliability of the prevalence of Mycobacterium bovis in cattle by rejection in abattoirs

Abstract

Bovine tuberculosis is still a serious problem both for human and animal health. Control or erradication programs should start with knowledge about the prevalence for zones to establish priorities.

The rejection of carcasses and viscera of slaughtered animals constitutes a good indicative, as long as it is reliable. Organs from 248 animals with suspicious tuberculosis lesions were obtained in 6 abattoirs and examined with bacteriological and histopathological corroboration tests in Santa Fe, Argentina. Reliability was near 89%, which certifies the responsibility of the inspectors in efforts to erradicate tuberculosis.