Bovine tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious, infectious, communicable disease of animals and humans caused by Mycobacterium bovis. It is commonly a chronic, debilitating disease but occasionally may assume an acute, rapidly progressive course. TB is a widespread zoonosis of global magnitude and affects nearly all species of vertebrates. Disease is spread by direct contact, inhalation of droplets expelled from infected lungs, and ingestion of contaminated feed or milk. All accredited veterinarians must immediately report every suspected or diagnosed bovine TB case promptly to the State Veterinarian.
Please give ODA a courtesy notification when planning TB testing. This will allow us to plan for possible CFT responders and subsequent CCT testing which will avoid unnecessary delays for you and your clients.
In Oregon, a caudal-fold response rate of 0.5 percent or greater should be expected in beef cattle, and a response rate of 1 percent or greater should be expected in dairy cattle. Improper injection or observation techniques may result in true suspects’ or reactors’ being missed.
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