Tuberculosis: a global threat beyond time

Tuberculosis is a chronic infectious disease of significant veterinary importance caused mainly by mycobacterium bovis, affecting cattle and a wide range of domestic and wild animals. The disease is characterized by the formation of granulomatous lesions, particularly in the lungs and lymph nodes, leading to progressive emaciation, weakness, decreased milk production, and economic losses in livestock industries. Transmission commonly occurs through inhalation of infected aerosols, ingestion of contaminated feed or milk, and close contact with infected animals. Bovine tuberculosis also holds major zoonotic importance, posing a risk to veterinarians, animal handlers, and dairy workers. Diagnosis in veterinary practice includes tuberculin skin testing, post-mortem examination, histopathology, culture, and molecular diagnostic techniques. Control strategies involve routine surveillance, test-and-cull programs, strict biosecurity measures, and pasteurization of milk. Effective management of tuberculosis requires an integrated veterinary and public health approach to minimize transmission and economic impact.