Estimated Prevalence of Tuberculosis in Ruminants from Slaughterhouses in Constantine Province (Northeastern Algeria): A 10-Year Retrospective Survey (2011–2020)

Abstract

Tuberculosis (TB) is considered one of the most widespread and devastating zoonotic diseases in low-income countries, with a cosmopolitan distribution. The aim of this 10-year retrospective survey (from 2011 to 2020) was to determine the frequency of bovine, ovine, and goat tuberculosis in different local slaughterhouses across Constantine Province, Algeria. The control of livestock carcasses was systematically performed by veterinarian inspectors, after each stage of the slaughter process. The routine abattoir inspection included the detection of visible abnormalities on different organs and lymph nodes. The overall prevalence of tuberculosis recorded in slaughtered animals was 0.83%, with the following distribution among species: 2.73% in cattle, 0.001% in sheep, and 0.0% in goats. During the study period, there was a strong correlation (R = 0.82) (p < 0.01) between tuberculosis occurrence and the number of slaughtered cattle. Fluctuations in monthly TB prevalence ranged from 2% to 24.8% between 2018 and 2020, although there were no statistically significant correlations between infection and the age or gender of the animals, except for the year 2020 when a significantly higher (p = 0.017) percentage of TB cases were recorded in female cattle compared to male cattle. The average monthly weight of the confiscated livers and lungs ranged significantly (p ≤ 0.05) from 150 kg to 350 kg. The study results provide baseline data regarding livestock tuberculosis monitoring in the area of Constantine, Algeria, indicating that the disease incidence is not highly alarming, yet remains a serious public and animal health issue in the screened region.

Mapping of Bovine Tuberculosis in Colombia, 2001-2019

“…Efforts to control bovine tuberculosis often involve measures such as regular testing of cattle herds, culling of infected animals, and proper hygiene practices in livestock management to prevent transmission to humans. In humans, tuberculosis is a serious global health concern, and efforts to control its spread involve early diagnosis, proper treatment, and public health interventions to minimise its impact [13][14][15][16].…”

Mapping Bovine Tuberculosis in Colombia, 2001–2019

“…Public health interventions, such as education campaigns and improved healthcare infrastructure, are vital in raising awareness, reducing stigma, and minimising the disease's impact on vulnerable populations. Through collaborative and comprehensive approaches encompassing both veterinary and human health sectors, significant strides can be made in controlling bovine tuberculosis and mitigating its far-reaching consequences [19][20][21][22].…”