Bovine Tuberculosis as a Neglected Zoonotic Disease in Mexico and Latin America: Epidemiological Challenges, Diagnostic Insights, and Public Health Implications in Emerging Economies

Bovine tuberculosis (bTB), caused by <i>Mycobacterium bovis</i>, remains one of the most relevant zoonotic diseases worldwide due to its dual impact on livestock production and human health. Although zoonotic tuberculosis has been virtually eradicated from cattle in a few settings, particularly in Australia, the disease persists in much of Latin America, Africa, and Asia, where it continues to limit cattle productivity and pose a threat to public health through the consumption of unpasteurized dairy products and occupational exposure. This review integrates historical, epidemiological, clinical, and molecular perspectives of bTB, with particular emphasis on Mexico, highlighting the role of wildlife reservoirs, socioeconomic factors, and diagnostic limitations in maintaining endemicity. Recent advances in molecular epidemiology, such as PCR, MIRU-VNTR, and whole-genome sequencing, provide promising avenues for surveillance and control. Finally, we discuss the importance of adopting a One Health framework that bridges veterinary, medical, and environmental approaches to achieve sustainable control of this silent zoonosis.