Epidemiological Survey and Economic Impact of Ruminant Tuberculosis-like Lesions at Slaughterhouses in Two Areas of Northern Algeria (2019–2024): A One Health Assessment

This retrospective study evaluated the prevalence and economic impact of tuberculosis-likelesions (TB) in cattle, sheep, and goats slaughtered at municipal abattoirs in the provinces of Bejaia and Jijel between 2019 and 2024, and examined their ecological association with reported human tuberculosis (TB) cases. The overall prevalence of tuberculosis-like lesions in carcasses, lungs, and livers was 0.08%, 0.85%, and 0.19%, respectively, with cattle showing the highest lesionprevalence. Logistic regression analysis identified species, season, geographic location, and climatic factors as significant predictors of lesion occurrence. Analysis of human tuberculosis records revealed a strong ecological positive correlation (r = 0.81, p<0.05) between bovine pulmonary tuberculosis-like lesions and extra-pulmonary tuberculosis in humans. Over the six-year period, large quantities of condemned carcasses and organs resulted in direct losses of €3.23 million, while reduced carcass weight accounted for indirect losses of almost €11 million.Ruminant tuberculosis-like lesions caused substantial economic losses, totaling €14.16 million over six years, with cattle accounting for 99.8% of the impact. Projected losses could reach €16.7 million by 2030 under comparable surveillance market and control conditions, highlighting the potential ongoing financial burden of the disease. Tuberculosis-like lesions remain relevant in northern Algeria, posing important veterinary, zoonotic, and economic concerns. Enhanced surveillance, laboratory confirmation of suspected lesions, and the strict implementation of control measuresare essential to limit disease transmission and mitigate its impact.