Bovine Tuberculosis: Abattoir Prevalence, Species Identification and Its Economic Impact Assessment of Assam and Meghalaya

Acheenta Gohain Barua; Himangshu Raj; Chandrani Goswami; Pranita Konwar; Jyoti Pawan Chutia

Authors

Acheenta Gohain Barua Department of Veterinary Public Health, College of Veterinary Science, Khanapara, Assam Agricultural University, Guwahati-781022, Assam, INDIA
Himangshu Raj Department of Veterinary Public Health, College of Veterinary Science, Khanapara, Assam Agricultural University, Guwahati-781022, Assam, INDIA
Chandrani Goswami Department of Veterinary Public Health, College of Veterinary Science, Khanapara, Assam Agricultural University, Guwahati-781022, Assam, INDIA
Pranita Konwar Department of Veterinary Public Health, College of Veterinary Science, Khanapara, Assam Agricultural University, Guwahati-781022, Assam, INDIA
Jyoti Pawan Chutia Department of Veterinary Public Health, College of Veterinary Science, Khanapara, Assam Agricultural University, Guwahati-781022, Assam, INDIA

Keywords:

Bovine Tuberculosis, Economic Loss, Meat Condemnation, Mycobacterium bovis, North East India

Abstract

To determine the prevalence of tuberculous lesions, species identification of the organism and associated direct economic losses due to the condemnation of organs/tissues of slaughtered cattle and buffaloes in Assam and Meghalaya, India. Over three years (September 2014 to October 2017), a total of 6053 carcasses (4985 cattle and 1068 buffalo) has been examined for tuberculous like lesions. Species identification was confirmed by biochemical test (viz. Nitrate reduction test, Pyrazinamidase test and Niacin detection test) and PCR targeting oxyR gene. Based on post-mortem examination the overall period prevalence was found to be 12.89%. Direct economic losses associated with the condemnation of 1742.94 Kg of meat/organs due to tuberculous lesions was valued as 339253.80 ($ 5241.46). Our results indicate that bovine tuberculosis caused by M. bovis is prevalent in Assam and Meghalaya and accounts for high economic losses due to the condemnation of edible organs/meat only.