Bovine tuberculosis results in economic losses in livestock production and poses a risk to public health. This study aimed to characterize the epidemiological status of bovine tuberculosis in adult cows in the state of Goias, Brazil. The state was divided into three sampling strata, corresponding to different livestock production circuits. A total of 18,659 animals were tested with the comparative cervical tuberculin test (CCT), in 300 randomly sampled bovine herds per stratum. An epidemiological questionnaire was used to identify health and management practices that may be associated with the presence of tuberculosis infection in the herd. In Stratum 1, dominated by beef cattle, no animals reacted to the CCT. In Stratum 2, which covers the main dairy regions of the state, the prevalence was estimated at 8.67% [5.73 to 12.74%] for herds and at 0.9% [0.21 to 1.58%] for animals. In Stratum 3, characterized by a mix of dairy, beef and dual-purpose herds, the prevalence was estimated at 1.00% [0.21 to 2.89] for herds and 0.30% [0.10 to 0.49 %] for animals. The overall prevalence in the state of Goias was 3.43% [2.20 to 4.67%] for herds and 0.30% [0.10 to 0.49%] for animals. The multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that herd-level risk factors associated with the presence of the bovine tuberculosis are: the location of the herd in Stratum 2 (OR = 12.05 [3.52 to 41.28]) and the number of times a cow is milked per day (OR = 6.27 [2.72 to 14.44]). Regular veterinary care was identified as a protective factor (OR = 0.38 [0.15-0.94]). These results indicate that bovine tuberculosis is endemic in the state; its spatial distribution is heterogeneous with a strong concentration in dairy regions. The most intensive dairy farms are those with the highest risk, which is consistent with what other authors’ found elsewhere in Brazil. The epidemiological information generated by this study provides information for planning of risk-based surveillance actions, and justifies the adoption of free-herd certification programs for bovine tuberculosis in the main dairy regions of Goias.

Prevalence and herd-level risk factors for bovine tuberculosis in the State of Paraná, Brazil

In 2009, the epidemiological situation of bovine tuberculosis was studied in the state of Mato Grosso, which is a traditional beef exporter. The state was divided into four regions. In each region, properties were selected randomly. A predetermined random number of animals were chosen from these properties, and comparative cervical tuberculin tests were conducted. In total, 28,878 animals from 1,133 properties underwent examination. The animals with inconclusive results were reexamined with the same diagnostic procedure in a minimal interval of 60 days. In each sampled property, a questionnaire-based survey was conducted to identify possible risk factors for the disease. In the state, the prevalence of infected herds and animals was 1.3% [0.7; 2.4] and 0.12% [0.03; 0.44], respectively. Further, the prevalence of infected herds and animals were 0.0% [0.0; 2.0] and 0.0% [0.0; 0.08] in the Pantanal region, 1.3% [0.5; 3.1] and 0.04% [0.01; 0.17] in the dairy region, 0.7% [0.2; 2.7] and 0.01% [0.003; 0.04] in the fattening region, and 1.7% [0.7; 4.1] and 0.24% [0.06; 0.90] in the breeding region, respectively. It was observed that the condition of the herds infected with bovine tuberculosis was associated with milk production, European or mestizo breeds, degree of sophistication in the production mode, and herd size of up to 486 animals. Therefore, the implementation of a monitoring system for detection and elimination of the residual infected herds along with incorporation of risk-based monitoring elements is the best strategy for the state.

Epidemiological situation of bovine tuberculosis in the State of Mato Grosso, Brazil

A study was conducted to determine the epidemiological status of bovine tuberculosis in the state of Rio Grande do Sul. The state was divided in seven regions, and in each of them, a pre-established number of farms was randomly sampled. In each farm, cows with age equal to or greater than 24 months were selected at random and submitted to the comparative cervical tuberculin test. The animals whose tests were inconclusive were retested with the same diagnostic procedure within a minimum interval of 60 days. In all, 9,895 animals from 1,067 farms were tested. An epidemiological questionnaire was applied in the farms in order to identify risk factors associated with bovine tuberculosis. The prevalence of infected herds in the state was 2.8% [1.8; 4.0] and that of infected animals was 0.7% [0.4; 1.0]. There was a trend towards a concentration of infected herds in the northern part of the state, with a predominance of dairy and mixed herds. The risk factors associated with the condition of infected herds were being a dairy herd (OR = 2.90 [1.40; 6.13]) and herds with 16 or more cows (OR = 2.61 [1.20; 5.49]). Thus, the best strategy to be adopted by the state is the implementation of surveillance systems to detect and remediate the infected herds, preferably incorporating elements of risk-based surveillance. In addition, the state must carry out a solid action of health education so that the producers test animals for bovine tuberculosis before introducing them in their herds.

Epidemiological status of bovine tuberculosis in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil Situação epidemiológica da tuberculose bovina no Estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil

A cross-sectional study was carried out between January 2012 and May 2014 to investigate the status of bovine tuberculosis in the state of Espirito Santo. The state was divided into two regions, and in each of them, 300 farms with reproductive activity were randomly selected and considered as the primary sampling units. In the selected farms, a fixed number of female bovines aged over 2 years were randomly selected to undergo a comparative cervical tuberculin test; an epidemiologic questionnaire was also applied. In the state of Espirito Santo, the apparent prevalence of tuberculosis-positive farms was 7.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 5.7-9.9). Prevalence at the herd level varied from 4.6% (95% CI = 2.6-7.3) in region 1 to 11.1% (95% CI = 7.7-15.3) in region 2. The apparent prevalence of tuberculosis-positive animals was 0.7% (95% CI = 0.3-1.1) in the state, and the prevalence varied from 0.3% (95% CI = 0.2-0.6) in region 1 to 1.2% (95% CI = 0.3-2.9) in region 2. The risk factors associated with tuberculosis prevalence in Espirito Santo were the number of adult females ? 10 (odds ratio [OR] = 2.40; 95% CI = 1.17-5.31) and milking type (milking machine/milking parlor) (OR = 2.88; 95% CI = 1.36-5.86]). The state of Espirito Santo should set up a surveillance system to detect and control bovine tuberculosis, taking into account the importance of dairy farms and animal trade in the state.

Epidemiologic characterization of bovine tuberculosis in the State of Espírito Santo, Brazil

A cross sectional study was performed between June 2009 and March 2010 to determine the situation of bovine tuberculosis (bTB) in Rondonia. The state was divided into three regions and, in each of them, 300 farms with reproductive activity were randomly chosen and considered as primary sample units. In the selected farms, an epidemiologic questionnaire was applied. A fixed number of bovine females older than two years of age was randomly selected and tested through comparative cervical tuberculin test. Considering the State of Rondonia, the apparent prevalence of bTB positive farms was 2.3% (95% CI = 1.5-3.5%). The prevalence in the regions varied from 1.7% (95% CI = 0.7 – 4%) to 3% (95% CI = 1.6-5.7%). The apparent prevalence of bTB positive animals in the State of Rondonia was 0.12% (95% CI = 0.06-0.25%) and varied from 0.08% (95% CI = 0.04-0.18%) to 0.15% (95% CI = 0.07-0.33%) in the regions. The risk factor associated to tuberculosis in the State of Rondonia was the acquisition of animals (OR = 7.1; 95% CI = 1.6-31.1). The State of Rondonia should implement a surveillance system to detect bTB-infected herds to certify them as bTB-free. Moreover, an efficient health education program to inform farmers to test replacement animals for bTB prior to introduction in their herds

Epidemiologic characterization of bovine tuberculosis in the State of Rondônia, Brazil Caracterização epidemiológica da tuberculose bovina no Estado de Rondônia, Brasil

The epidemiological situation of bovine tuberculosis was studied in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil. The state was divided into three regions, and a predetermined number of properties was randomly sampled in each region. In each property, females aged 24 months or older were randomly selected and subjected to the cervical comparative tuberculin test. Altogether, 5,728 animals from 906 properties were tested. In the evaluated properties, an epidemiological questionnaire was applied to identify risk factors related to bovine tuberculosis. The prevalence of infected herds and infected animals and in the state was 2.87% [1.82–4.50] and 0.62% [0.29–1.29], respectively. There was a predominance trend of infected herds in the properties located in the dry areas of Pernambuco, where most dairy properties are found. The risk factors related to the occurrence of positive herds were: presence of 18 or more cows in the herd, milking the cows two or three times a day, and sharing the grazing area. In conclusion, the prevalence of bovine tuberculosis in Pernambuco is low, and the best strategy to be adopted is the implementation of a surveillance system for detection and sanitation of infected herds, preferably by incorporating risk-based surveillance strategies. In addition, the State should implement an effective sanitary program to enable producers to test their animals for bovine tuberculosis before inserting them into the herds, as well as avoid sharing the grazing areas with properties that are not free of bovine tuberculosis.

Epidemiological situation of bovine tuberculosis in the State of Pernambuco, Brazil

O comercio de animais e um importante fator de risco para a disseminacao de doencas entre animais e rebanhos. O objetivo do presente estudo foi caracterizar a rede de movimentacao de bovinos em Pernambuco, com base nas guias de trânsito animal (GTAs) de 2012 a 2013, e identificar a intensidade da relacao comercial entre os estabelecimentos. Foram analisadas 737.950 GTAs emitidas, e as movimentacoes de bovinos totalizaram 3.481.185 animais (1.688.585 em 2012 e 1.792.600 em 2013). Um percentual de 52,57% (1.829.907/3.481.185) das movimentacoes de bovinos envolveu entrada ou saida de feiras de gado, indicando que as feiras desempenharam um papel importante na rede. Aproximadamente 20% dos estabelecimentos mais conectados foram responsaveis por aproximadamente 87% das movimentacoes relacionadas as vendas, e 95% das movimentacoes, relacionadas as compras. Considerando o importante papel das feiras e o intenso comercio de bovinos entre as propriedades, medidas de vigilância e controle podem ser mais eficientes se aplicadas em feiras e estabelecimentos altamente conectados, para prevenir a propagacao de doencas infecciosas.

/pdf/livestock-markets-play-an-important-role-in-the-cattle-3dphwgpoze.pdf

Livestock markets play an important role in the cattle movement network in Pernambuco, Brazil

Recentes estudos epidemiológicos sobre tuberculose bovina foram conduzidos no Brasil, mas não em seus territórios insulares. O objetivo deste trabalho foi descrever a prevalência da tuberculose bovina no Arquipélago de Fernando de Noronha, Brasil, a fim de colaborar na adoção das estratégias de sua prevenção, controle e/ou erradicação. Em cada uma das dez propriedades existentes no arquipélago, todos os 74 bovinos acima de 24 meses de idade foram submetidos ao teste tuberculínico cervical comparativo. As informações epidemiológicas sobre a ocorrência da doença foram obtidas do banco de dados da Agência de Defesa e Fiscalização Agropecuária de Pernambuco - ADAGRO. As prevalências encontradas para rebanhos e animais foram 10% e 1,35%, respectivamente. A análise dos fatores de risco foi inviabilizada pelos resultados obtidos, já que o número de casos não permitiu fazer este tipo de análise. Este é o primeiro relato sobre prevalência da tuberculose bovina no Arquipélago de Fernando de Noronha. Várias características favorecem a implantação de estratégias que visem à erradicação da tuberculose bovina em Fernando de Noronha tais como: área territorial e característica insular; restrição da importação de animais de produção; reduzido número de bovinos e de propriedades; bem como pela baixa prevalência de animais positivos. Desta forma, o Serviço Veterinário Estadual (SVE) poderá otimizar as ações de vigilância nas espécies domésticas, estimulando a colaboração interdisciplinar entre os órgãos competentes para erradicar a tuberculose animal e alcançar melhoria da saúde humana por meio da saúde animal.

Paula Regina Barros de Lima

Papers

Epidemiological situation of bovine tuberculosis in the State of Pernambuco, Brazil

Livestock markets play an important role in the cattle movement network in Pernambuco, Brazil

Prevalência da tuberculose bovina no Arquipélago de Fernando de Noronha e sua importância para o direcionamento das ações de Defesa Sanitária Animal