• human (Mycobacterium tuberculosis)
   

• avian (Mycobacterium avian)
   

• bovine (Mycobacterium bovis)

Human TB is the most host specific of the three types, rarely being transmitted to non-human species. Avian TB is typically restricted to birds; however, pigs and a few other animals have been known to be susceptible. Bovine tuberculosis is the most infectious form, infecting most warm-blooded animals, including humans.

M Bovis is the bacterium that causes bovine TB. It can manifest itself in livestock, especially cattle, as a chronic, wasting disease and may take years to develop bovine TB lesions in the lungs.

Airborne exposure from coughing and sneezing is considered to be the most frequent infection route of this disease, though infection among livestock can also occur through consumption of contaminated water, feed, or milk.

The use of a skin test is the most reliable way to diagnose bovine TB in livestock. An animal that has been exposed to, or infected with, TB will exhibit a reaction at the test site. If a reaction is observed, an additional test is performed to distinguish which type of tuberculosis bacteria caused the initial reaction.

The most effective means of controlling the disease is by destroying infected and, when appropriate, exposed animals.

Useful Links:

USDA, ARS - Diagnostic Test for Cattle Tuberculosis

MyCattle.com - Diagnostic Test for Cattle Tuberculosis

MyCattle.com - Tuberculosis

USDA, ARS - Diagnostic Test for Cattle Tuberculosis (September 1998)