Study on magnitude, determinants and public health significance of bovine tuberculosis in dairy farms in selected zones, Southern Ethiopia

A major economic loss is caused in livestock production by bovine tuberculosis (BTB), an important chronic infectious disease that can spread to humans and animals. A cross-sectional study was executed to estimate the prevalence of bTB and its associated risk factors in selected zones in southern Ethiopia. A total of three areas’ dairy farms and 414 cattle were tested for BTB using a comparative intra-dermal tuberculin test. The data was collected using a structured questionnaire survey covering farm management, animal characteristics, and owner knowledge of the zoonotic significance of BTB. The overall individual and herd level prevalence of bovine tuberculosis was 14.4% (n = 58) and 19.4%, respectively, in dairy cattle at the recommended cut-off > 4 mm. The prevalence of bovine tuberculosis at individual cattle levels was significantly different (P-value < 0.01) in different sites, with the highest prevalence (41.3%) in Halaba dairy farm and the lowest prevalence (2.96%) in Yirgalem. Farming system, herd size, and other risk factors were significantly (p < 0.05) associated with bovine tuberculosis occurrence. Of the total interviewed farm owners, only 24.6% knew or had heard about bovine tuberculosis, and 17.2% were aware of the zoonotic importance of the disease. Among interviewees, 25% and 28% showed their preference for raw milk and meat consumption, respectively. Hence, the launching of workable control measures for bovine tuberculosis and the creation of public awareness about its zoonotic transmission and prevention measures are required.