PREVALENCE AND RISK FACTORS OF BOVINE TUBERCULOSIS IN CATTLE IN MYMENSINGH SADAR

Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is a disease of zoonotic importance as well as high priority all over the world. Risk factors for bovine tuberculosis in cattle are not well investigated in Bangladesh. Therefore, the objective of this study was to identify the associated risk factors for bTB along with determination of prevalence in cattle of Mymensingh Sadar. A cross-sectional study was carried out to elucidate on 101 cattle from 56 households during January to May 2012. The direct interview using a questionnaire and physical examination of cattle was performed to collect farm and animal level data. Besides data collection, blood samples were collected from study cattle and subjected to immunochromatographic assay (ICGA) by using Anigen Rapid Bovine TB Ab test kit for the diagnosis of bTB. Risk factors analysis was done using bivariable followed by multiple logistic regression with stepwise backward elimination method. The results of the study revealed an overall tuberculosis prevalence of 5.9%. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed significant association of bovine tuberculosis with herd size (more than 4) (Odds Ratio, OR = 5.9, p = 0.03) and history of coughing (OR = 8.9, p = 0.005). The effect of herd size (more than 4) could be minimized by maintaining the cattle in a herd with adequate floor space and better ventilation facilities as it would not be practicable to keep the herd size minimum. Further study should be done to find out more associated risk factors for the occurrence of bTB. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjvm.v12i2.21283 Bangl. J. Vet. Med . (2014). 12 (2): 179-183