Prevalence of bovine tuberculosis in cattle in the highlands of Cameroon based on the detection of lesions in slaughtered cattle and tuberculin skin tests of live cattle

Abstract

Bovine tuberculosis (TB) is an important neglected zoonosis in Cameroon, where many communities depend on their livestock for livelihood and the incidence of human TB and TB-HIV/AIDS co-infection are high and increasing annually. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of bovine TB in cattle in the highlands of Cameroon. The magnitude and trend of detecting TB lesions in slaughtered cattle (1994 to 2010) and tuberculin skin tests (TST) in 2853 cattle (84 herds) of 39 livestock rearing communities were analysed. Of 129 165 slaughtered cattle inspected, 599 (0.46%; 95% CI: 0.43%-0.50%) showed suspected TB lesions among a total of 983 (0.76%; 95% CI: 0.71%-0.81%) identified pathologies. The monthly TB detection rates ranged from 0.30% (95% CI: 0.20%-0.40%) to 0.81% (95% CI: 0.64%-0.98%) and annual rates from 0.04% (95% CI: 0%-0.11%) to 1.46% (95% CI: 1.22%-1.69%). The rates were not affected (P < 0.05) by season and fluctuating peaks were also recorded. The comparative TST revealed that bovine TB was widely distributed in live cattle (4.67%; 95% CI: 3.89%-5.44%) and was higher (χ 2 = 17.50, P ≤ 0.001) in the Western highlands than Adamawa plateaux.Comparative TST bovine TB reactors were higher (P < 0.05) in cattle managed in semi-intensive and beef production systems compared to the others. Animals in small herds showed higher (χ 2 = 4.283, P = 0.038) rates than those in large herds. Bovine TB prevalence in exotic/upgraded cattle was comparable to that of the Red Bororo zebu but higher than the rates in Guadali (χ 2 = 4.971, P = 0.026) and White Fulani (χ 2 = 5.6, P = 0.018) zebus.Among the indigenous zebus, the rate was higher in Red Bororo than the Guadali (χ 2 = 6.244, P = 0.012) and White Fulani (χ 2 = 6.568, P = 0.010). Sex did not influence (χ 2 = 0.410, P = 0.522) bovine TB prevalence in this study but diagnosis of the disease was higher (χ 2 = 5.787; P = 0.016) among adult/older cattle than in younger animals. Further analysis of the TST responses revealed that atypical mycobacterial infections was widespread and 6.83% of tested animals showed positive reactions at both bovine and avian tuberculin injection sites and a strong association (χ 2 = 2.512; P = 0.113) between skin responses to both tuberculins. The study confirms that bovine TB is prevalent in live cattle and meat production abattoirs in Cameroon and we recommend strict a interpretation of TST results for maximum diagnosis of the disease in the local environment. A need for comprehensive investigation of the molecular epidemiology, zoonotic risks and the public health importance of bovine TB in Cameroon cannot be overemphasised.

Bovine tuberculosis surveillance system 2valuation, Greater-Accra region, Ghana, 2006-2011

“…The prevalence of bTB suspected carcasses at slaughter was 0.12%. This is similar to that found by a study in the highlands of Cameroun, and Maiduguri in Nigeria [28, 29], but in sharp contrast to other studies in Kenya and Ethiopia where the prevalence was much higher; 18.5% and 28.2% respectively [30, 31]. The majority of bTB detections were made at slaughter, however, studies have demonstrated that not all cattle infected with bTB may present with macro lesions which can be detected during post mortem inspection [32–34].…”

Cultural and molecular detection of zoonotic tuberculosis and its public health impacts in selected districts of Tigray region, Ethiopia

“…Infection of cattle with M. bovis constitutes a human health hazard as well as an animal welfare problem. Furthermore, the economic implications in terms of trade restrictions and productivity losses have direct and indirect implications for human health and the food supply (Awah-Ndukum et al, 2012). The present study using the comparative intradermal tuberculin test (CIDT) showed that the prevalence of BTB in the study districts is 2.7%.…”

“…Tuberculosis, caused by M. bovis, is emerging as the most important disease affecting cattle and continues to be a problem both in countri es with and without active control policies (Thom et al, 2006). Bovine tuberculosis aggravates the 'triple trouble' of HIV/AIDS and TB infection and malnutrition (Awah-Ndukum et al, 2012). Tuberculosis cases due to M. bovis in HIV-positive persons also resemble disease caused by M. tuberculosis.…”

Drug Sensitivity and Molecular Diversity of M. tuberculosis in Cameroon: A Meta-analysis

“…showed that bovine TB is prevalent in live cattle and meat production abattoirs in Cameroon. Furthermore, bovine TB was found to be widely distributed in live cattle (4.67-5.44%) and was higher in the Western highlands than Adamawa plateau [11]. A survey by Koro Koro et al in Littoral and Centre regions showed a prevalence of 0.81% and 1.3% of bovine tuberculosis in Yaoundé and Douala abattoirs respectively.…”