Management factors associated with bovine tuberculosis on dairy herds in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Resumo

With the purpose of identifying management factors that may be influencing the prevalence of bovine tuberculosis under tropicalconditions, namely in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 1632 cows were tested through the single cervical tuberculin test. A questionnairewas completed for each herd. A total of 207 positive reactions were observed, corresponding to 12.7% of the studied cattle. Themain factors observed that may be influencing the prevalence of bovine tuberculosis on those farms were the absence orreduced veterinary assistance and the herd size. The presence of adequate cattle houses and the highly intensive managementare also considered to be likely to influence the prevalence of the disease. Under tropical conditions, a tuberculosis controlprogram, in addition to the test-and-slaughter control method, should include an investigation of herd management practices totry to identify factors that are likely to influence the prevalence of the disease.