The department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) in recent statistics released has indicated a decline in Bovine TB cases across England and Wales.
According to Defra, the killings of bTB-infected animals in 2022 have reduced by 20% compared to last year July 2021 when a number of 24,398 infected animals were destroyed.
In Wales, there were 16% fewer animals killed overall. Currently, 9,713 animals have been put to death.
Bovine tuberculosis
The bacteria that cause human and avian tuberculosis also cause bovine TB.
Bovine tuberculosis symptoms
- Weakness
- Loss of appetite
- Weight-loss
- Fluctuating fever
- Intermittent hacking cough
- Diarrhea
- Large prominent lymph nodes
How is bovine tuberculosis transmitted?
The disease primarily affects the lungs. Nasal contact can transmit infection, as it can contact saliva, urine, feces, and milk. Direct contact with infectious cattle (or other infectious animals) and their excretions can cause cattle to contract the disease.
Bovine tuberculosis prevention
It is a good management practice to keep calves separate from older animals to lower the chance of disease exposure. Additionally, consuming pasteurized milk, or milk substitutes is essential for lowering the risk of infectious disorders such as tuberculosis.
