Farm Practices and Species Variety Linked to Higher Tuberculosis Risk on Farms

Jenn Hoskins
20th July, 2024

Farm Practices and Species Variety Linked to Higher Tuberculosis Risk on Farms

Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024

Key Findings

  • The study focused on cattle farms in Western Spain, identifying factors that increase TB risk
  • Larger herds and older cattle were more likely to be TB-positive
  • Farms with more wildlife species had a higher risk of TB
Animal tuberculosis (TB) remains a persistent challenge despite extensive eradication efforts. A recent study by the Universidad de León has provided valuable insights into the factors contributing to TB risk in cattle farms in Western Spain[1]. This study is crucial as it highlights specific farm management practices and wildlife presence that increase the likelihood of TB positivity in cattle. The research analyzed 84 extensive beef cattle farms, identifying 26 variables associated with TB positivity. Key findings included the influence of older cattle, larger herd sizes, fragmented farm structures, and high connectivity between farms. Additionally, farms that provided supplemental feed over more months, used calf feeders, and had a higher number of waterholes were more likely to be TB-positive. The presence of wildlife species such as Eurasian wild boar, red fox, European badger, roe deer, and Egyptian mongoose also correlated with higher TB risk. These findings are consistent with earlier studies that have emphasized the role of wildlife in TB transmission. For instance, in Northern Ireland, the European badger has been identified as a significant reservoir for bovine TB, complicating eradication efforts[2]. Similarly, in south central Spain, wild boar and red deer have been implicated in TB transmission to domestic cattle, particularly around shared resources like waterholes[3]. Another study highlighted that environmental persistence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTC) bacteria at water points could facilitate indirect transmission among species[4]. The study from Universidad de León further quantified the odds of TB positivity based on herd size and wildlife presence. Farms with larger herds (>167 animals) had a 7.34 times higher risk of being TB-positive or recurrently positive compared to smaller herds. Additionally, for each additional wildlife species detected on the farm, the odds of TB positivity increased by 56%. This research underscores the need for targeted biosecurity measures that address both cattle management and wildlife interactions. Simple, cost-effective strategies, such as those demonstrated in earlier research, could be implemented to reduce direct and indirect contact between cattle and wildlife. For example, selective exclusion measures at waterholes have proven effective in minimizing interactions between cattle and wild ungulates, thus reducing TB transmission risk[3]. Moreover, the study's findings align with the concept of a 'bottom-up' approach to TB management, which focuses on practical, farm-based strategies. This approach has been shown to be more acceptable to farmers and potentially more effective in preventing TB transmission at the wildlife-agriculture interface[5]. By incorporating these insights, farmers can better manage their herds and reduce the risk of TB, contributing to more successful eradication efforts. In conclusion, the study from Universidad de León highlights the critical role of farm management practices and wildlife presence in TB risk. By addressing these factors through targeted biosecurity measures and practical strategies, it is possible to make significant progress in controlling and eventually eradicating animal TB.

AgricultureHealthAnimal Science

References

Main Study

1) Farm management practices and host species richness associated with higher likelihood of tuberculosis positive farms in Western Spain

Published 19th July, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1007/s10344-024-01833-z

Related Studies

2) The Northern Ireland programme for the control and eradication of Mycobacterium bovis.

Journal: Veterinary microbiology, Issue: Vol 112, Issue 2-4, Feb 2006

3) Effectiveness of cattle operated bump gates and exclusion fences in preventing ungulate multi-host sanitary interaction.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.prevetmed.2013.03.009

4) Environmental Presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Complex in Aggregation Points at the Wildlife/Livestock Interface.

https://doi.org/10.1111/tbed.12480

5) Evaluating use of cattle winter feeding areas by elk and white-tailed deer: implications for managing bovine tuberculosis transmission risk from the ground up.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.prevetmed.2012.07.017


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