Prevalence of Tuberculosis in Cattle in the Dangme- West District: Public Health Implications.

Abstract

It has been documented that in developing countries, bovine infected, with Mycobacterium bovis constitute a significant reservoir for human tuberculosis and unless bovine milk is pasteurized, consumption of it can lead to the spread of gastrointestinal tuberculosis in humans.The Ghana Government through its peri-urban daiiy cattle development project, is encouraging the use of milk and dairy products from local cows in selected districts of the country, including the Dangme West District o f Greater Accra Region. A survey was therefore undertaken to determine the risk of infection with tuberculosis through consumption of milk from the Dangme-West District and the level of awareness with regard to this risk . The standard single intradermal comparative tuberculin test using purified protein derivative (PPD) of M. bovis and M. avium was used. The study established a 13.8% prevalence of tuberculosis in cattle in the district with prevalence as high as 50% in some kraals. Cattle of all ages and both sexes were affected, but the prevalence in cows was twice as high as that of heifers and bulls. This can be explained from the fact that cows being more productive are kept for much longer periods increasing their chances of getting infected . The result is significantly high compared the 5% prevalence regarded as low which makes test and slaughter economics a (B lo o d 1981), The study also established that, there is a considerable lack of knowledge about bovine tuberculosis among cattle owners and herdsmen in the district and milk is often used untreated. The relatively high prevalence of the disease and the accompanying lack of knowledge about it calls for concerted effort by the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, the Ministry of Health, the District Assembly, and the local community leaders in order to put in place control measures to prevent human infection. There is also the need, first, for a nation wide survey to establish the general prevalence and distribution of bovine tuberculosis in the country as a basis for selection of animals for breeding.