Distribution, public health significance, and control status of bovine tuberculosis caused by Mycobacterium bovis in Uganda

The majority of cattle in Uganda are located in the “cattle corridor,” an area stretching from the northeast to the southwest of the country. Bovine tuberculosis (BTB) was first recorded in Uganda in 1917 and has been present in cattle since that time. In Uganda, BTB is most commonly encountered during routine meat inspection. The use of PCR has provided insights into the interspecies transmission and epidemiology of Mycobacterium bovis. Uganda is ranked 19th among the countries with the highest burden of human tuberculosis (TB). Postmortem inspection followed by bacteriological examination of suspected lesions is an important tool to confirm the presence of BTB in animals. This chapter discusses studies that have identified several risk factors associated with BTB in cattle. BTB control programs in Uganda and other developing countries are fraught with many challenges and constraints, and are unlikely to achieve major advances unless current approaches are drastically changed.