It is well-known that Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial infection. It can be fatal as most often it affects the lungs, but can also affect other organs of the body. Primarily, it is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. While this bacterium is widely known as the primary cause of TB in humans, it’s important to note that another bacterium, Mycobacterium bovis (M. bovis), can also lead to tuberculosis in humans. M. bovis is typically found in animals such as bison, elk, and deer. Although primarily infecting animals and spreading among them, there have been documented cases of M. bovis transmission to humans.
Reports indicate that Bovine TB, caused by M. bovis, accounts for approximately 10% of the total TB cases in India. Individuals most at risk of contracting Bovine Tuberculosis are farmers involved in cattle rearing or those involved in the production and sale of milk and milk products. Additionally, humans who consume unpasteurized milk and milk products can also be susceptible to infection with this bacterium.
It is very important to raise awareness amongst the masses about Bovine TB. For this, educating the community about the bacterium of this disease, its transmission, control, and prevention is largely required. This will help eradicate TB in India. Masses must know about Bovine TB as the level of awareness about this condition is very limited. Here we present a basic account of Bovine TB that will help understand how to prevent it at the outset.
How is Bovine Tuberculosis spread?
Bovine Tuberculosis majorly infects the lungs and lymph nodes of cattle and other animals. Though the host of this bacteria is mostly cattle, the disease can also spread among humans by the consumption of milk from an infected animal. The most common way that the bacteria spread among humans is by consuming milk and milk products that are not pasteurized. To prevent bovine TB and many other forms of microorganisms from entering the human body, milk is generally pasteurized before consumption; however, milk and milk products that are sold by local farmers may not be pasteurized leading to the spread of Bovine Tuberculosis among people who consume that unpasteurized milk. Also, it is important to make sure that the milk you consume is pasteurized and that the milk products are made from pasteurized milk. This way we can prevent the spread largely.
Symptoms of Bovine Tuberculosis
It is not always necessary that only because Mycobacterium Bovis has entered your body, it will cause tuberculosis. Some people never show any symptoms however, some do. The symptoms of Bovine Tuberculosis are very similar to the common form of tuberculosis that is spread by Mycobacterium Tuberculosis. Depending on which organ is infected by the bacteria, the symptoms may vary. The most common form of tuberculosis is Pulmonary Tuberculosis (of the lungs), which causes fever, moist cough, respiratory issues, night sweats, enlargement of lymph nodes, weakness, and pneumonia. Symptoms of extra pulmonary tuberculosis depend on the organ that the bacteria have infected.
Preventing Bovine Tuberculosis
As mentioned above, Bovine Tuberculosis is spread from cattle to humans. Farmers who stay in close contact with cattle and other animals must take proper precautions like wearing gloves while milking the cows and wearing masks around cattle. They must consult a medical health professional if they show any symptoms of Bovine Tuberculosis.
People must consume pasteurized milk and milk products. The most effective way to prevent Bovine Tuberculosis is to make sure that the milk that is being consumed is pasteurized. To ensure that the milk is pasteurized, read the label to see if the milk used to make dairy products is pasteurized or not. If you buy milk from a local farmer, ensure that the milk supplied to your home has gone through the process of pasteurization.
Words of Caution
• Avoid drinking raw or unpasteurized milk.
• Do not drink milk from a cattle watering source.
• Keep distance from livestock, especially avoid exposure to sick animals.
• After handling any livestock, you must wash your hands well, especially if they are sick.