Mycobacterium bovis (M. bovis): reducing the risk of human infection

TB in cattle is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium bovis (M. bovis). Cattle, buffalo and bison are the natural hosts of M. bovis, but nearly all mammals are susceptible to the infection to a variable degree. The organism also has the capacity to infect and cause TB in humans. However, the risk of infection for the general public remains very low in industrialised countries with long-standing bovine TB control programmes and where pasteurisation of cows’ milk is either mandatory or commonly practised.

In relation to this disease, Public Health England has produced an information sheet. This will be of particular interest to those who are involved with agriculture.

Posted by Dr. Tim Sandle