Jeonnam Animal Hygiene Testing Center Strengthens Inspections for Zoonotic Bovine Tuberculosis

To Prevent Harm to Livestock and Humans
Annual Regular Inspections for Dairy Cattle Implemented

Jeollanamdo Animal Hygiene Testing Center plans to strengthen related inspections to prevent the spread of bovine tuberculosis, a zoonotic infectious disease. Provided by Jeonnam Province

On May 13, the Jeollanamdo Animal Hygiene Testing Center announced that it is strengthening inspections to prevent harm to both livestock and humans caused by bovine tuberculosis, a zoonotic infectious disease.

Bovine tuberculosis is a type 2 livestock infectious disease that causes symptoms such as loss of appetite, fever, and decreased milk production. When transmitted to humans, it can damage the lungs and intestines, making it a significant zoonotic disease from a public health perspective. Last year, the first domestic case of Mycobacterium bovis infection in a human was reported, which has heightened the need for caution.

The Jeonnam Animal Hygiene Testing Center conducts serological tests on all Hanwoo cattle aged 12 months or older that are traded between farms or shipped to livestock markets, allowing only cattle that test negative to be traded.

In particular, because Mycobacterium bovis can infect humans through unpasteurized milk or dairy products, the center conducts at least one regular inspection per year on all dairy farms, and also performs hygiene inspections of milking livestock.

If a case of bovine tuberculosis is confirmed through testing, the infected animal is culled. Cattle that have been raised together with the infected animal are subject to movement restrictions and are retested twice at intervals of 60 to 90 days. In addition, an epidemiological investigation is conducted to identify the source of the outbreak, which includes reviewing the farm's cattle purchases and sales over the past year, in order to prevent the spread of the disease through further testing.

Jung Jiyeong, Director of the Jeonnam Animal Hygiene Testing Center, stated, "Bovine tuberculosis not only causes significant economic damage to livestock farms but is also a disease that can be transmitted to humans. Therefore, testing is essential for early detection and prevention of its spread."