Prevalence of Bovine Tuberculosis (BTB) in Imo State, Southeastern Nigeria

Abstract

Abstract

This 8-month study was conducted to determine the prevalence of bovine tuberculosis (BTB) inthe three major zonal abattoirs of Imo State, southeastern Nigeria. During this period, 7,164cattle were slaughtered and examined, of which 247 (3.4%) were infected with bovine tuberculosis.Of the infected, 170 (3.5%) cases were recorded in Owerri Zone, 20 (2.5%) in Orlu, and 57 (3.7%)in Okigwe. Female cattle showed higher BTB prevalence (4.5%), with males 3.3%. There were noobservable differences in TB infection among the different cattle breeds. BTB infection was recordedamong White Fulani, at 3.3%. Infections in Sokoto Gudali, N’dama and Bunaji were 3.7, 3.6, and3.3%, respectively. Over 50% of the slaughtered cattle were Sokoto Gudali.The lungs of 59.1% of the infected animals examined had TB lesions. Lesions were also foundin 21.5, 11.3, and 8.1% of the livers, intestines and lymph nodes, respectively, of the infected cattle.Considering the appreciably high prevalence of tuberculosis in this study, there is a need for thegovernment to employ competent and qualified personnel to conduct meat inspections in the variousabattoirs in the State, and for citizens to be educated about the public-health significance of BTB.

Keywords: bovine tuberculosis; Imo State; Nigeria