Understanding and managing bTB risk: Perspectives from Ireland

Abstract

There is substantial variation in herd risk for bovine tuberculosis (bTB) in Ireland, with most herds playing little to no role in the ongoing endemic. In infected areas, bTB persistence (affecting one or a group of herds) is a key feature of the infection. In this paper, we present our current understanding and management of bTB risk in Ireland, based on a detailed review of research and policy. There is close interaction between science and policy in Ireland, seeking both to understand and effectively manage bTB risk. Detailed research on bTB persistence is presented, including current understanding of the relative importance of different infection sources, which can include residual infection in cattle and/or re-infection, either from local sources or following cattle introduction. In recent years, there have been three primary drivers for policy change, including scientific advances, ongoing improvements to programme supports, and ongoing programme review. In this review, three key future programme challenges are identified. Although good progress is being made, eradication has not yet been achieved. Firstly, a key question concerns the additional effort that will be required, to move towards final eradication. Secondly, a percentage of non-infected animals are falsely positive to current testing methods. This is an ongoing challenge, given the imperfect specificity of test methods but will become more so, as the positive predictive value falls with reducing bTB prevalence. Finally, there is a need to re-engage with the farming community, so that they play a much greater role in programme ownership.

Farm-level risk factors associated with bovine tuberculosis in the dairy sector in Eritrea

“…Farmers try to increase herd sizes for increased efficiency gains, but increase in herd size may lead to overcrowding causing enhanced cattle‐to‐cattle transmission of M. bovis . This finding is in agreement with those of similar studies that indicated the association of herd size with the prevalence of BTB (More & Good, ; Pavlik, Matlova, Dvorska, Shitaye, & Parmova, ; Proaño‐Perez et al., ; Wright et al., ), including that of Omer et al. () who identified herd size as one of the major risk factors for SICTT reactivity in the Maekel region, one of our current study areas in Eritrea.…”

The clinical and serological diagnosis of Mycobacterium bovis in blood and milk serums of lactating cows by IDEXX ELISA test in Wasit and Dhi-Qar provinces/Iraq

“…32 A variable incidence of bTB may effect through several modes like the geographical position features; Agroecological system; public health condition for humans and animals; herd size, farm management and grazing practice; age, breed, gender and body condition score of animals; compelled organizing schemes of the veterinary departments; concurrent diseases, host genetic variation, immune suppression, cattle behavior, physiological status, cows scheme form, feeding system, treatments with control program, environments or weather, pathological variations. [33][34][35] Whilst the respiratory disorders, emaciation, rough hair coat, decrease in milk production and presence of reproductive failures shows the most prevalent signs of positive cows in blood and milk groups; the enlargement of lymph nodes, loss of appetites and feces abnormalities manifested the lowers, with presence of some differences between both serum groups. These resultants were approval to studies revealed by various researchers.…”

Assessment of an ELISA method to support surveillance of bovine tuberculosis in Albania

“…In general, sensitivity of official diagnostic tests for M. bovis infection is low, and is affected by several factors [2, 7]. Concurrent parasitic infections (e.g.…”