Prevalence Of Tuberculosis In Cattle In The Dangme- West District: Public Health Implications.

ABSTRACT It has been documented that in developing countries, bovine infected with Mycobacterium bovis constitute a significant reservoir for human tuberculosis and unless bovine milk is pasteurized, consumption o f it can lead to the spread of gastrointestinal tuberculosis in humans.The Ghana Government through its peri-urban daiiy cattle development project, is encouraging the use o f milk and dairy products from local cows in selected districts o f the country, including the Dangme W est District o f Greater Accra Region. A survey was therefore undertaken to determine the risk of infection with tuberculosis through consumption o f milk from the Dangme-W est District and the level o f awareness with regard to this risk . The standard single intradermal comparative tuberculin test using purified protein derivative (PPD) of M. bovis and M. avium was used. The study established a 13.8% prevalence o f tuberculosis in cattle in the district with prevalence as high as 50% in some kraals. Cattle o f all ages and both sexes were affected, but the prevalence in cows was twice as high as that o f heifers and bulls. This can be explained from the fact that cows being more productive are kept for much longer periods increasing their chances of getting infected . The result is significantly high compared the 5% prevalence regarded as low which makes test and slau g h ter e c o n o m ic a l B lo o d 1981), The study also established that, there is a considerable lack o f knowledge about bovine tuberculosis among cattle owners and herdsmen in the district and m ilk is often used untreated. The relatively high prevalence o f the disease and the accompanying lack o f knowledge about it calls for concerted effort by the Ministry o f Food and Agriculture, the Ministry o f Health, the District Assembly, and the local community leaders in order to put in place control measures to prevent human infection. There is also the need, first, for a nation wide survey to establish the general prevalence and distribution of bovine tuberculosis in the country as a basis for selection o f animals for breeding.