Bovine tuberculosis in Burdur, southern Turkey: epidemiological, pathological and economic study.

Settings: Burdur is the most important dairy cattle breeding and milk production area of Turkey, and Burdur slaughterhouse is one of the biggest slaughterhouses in the southern part of the country. No scientific information is available on the prevalence of tuberculosis (TB) in cattle in Burdur. A survey was therefore undertaken to determine the prevalence of disseminated TB infection in cattle in this district.

Objectives: To implement a disease monitoring system in Burdur slaughterhouse to estimate the annual prevalence of disseminated TB in cattle slaughtered and inspected in 2003-2004.

Design: Epidemiological survey.

Results: Prevalence of bovine TB was investigated in Burdur slaughterhouse from January 2003 to December 2004. All of the affected animals were Holstein breed. The prevalence of disseminated TB in all slaughtered cattle was 0.38% in this period. The value of the condemned meat and organs was calculated to establish economic loss.

Conclusion: Despite a strict eradication programme, bovine TB is still an important health issue among cattle and remains one of the greatest threats to cattle and human health in southern Turkey. Veterinarians and cattle producers in this region are encouraged to develop and work on herd plans aimed at controlling and eradicating TB.