Time series analysis and public health implications of suspected bovine tuberculosis in cattle slaughtered in Lafenwa municipal abattoir, Abeokuta, Ogun state, Nigeria – 2004-2012

Abstract

Bovine tuberculosis is a major zoonotic disease with worldwide distribution, especially in developing countries like Nigeria, where the disease is endemic with no concrete eradication programme. The study was conducted to investigate the magnitude, seasonality and trend of meat rejection resulting from suspected cases of bovine tuberculosis in slaughtered cattle in Lafenwa municipal abattoir , Abeokuta, South-western Nigeria over a period of nine years using time series analysis and also, to discuss the public health implications. This is with a view that, decision making and policies can be made to control and/or eradicate this disease. Seasonal pattern with more cases during the dry season than wet season was observed while an increasing long term secular trend of cases of rejection is also predicted in the long run if there is no proven control program in place. This study further reinforced the fact that bovine tuberculosis is endemic in Nigeria and is seasonally connected.

Key words: Suspected cases, bovine tuberculosis, Abattoir, time series analysis, Retrospective study, public health implications