The Wellcome Trust Bovine TB Project in Ethiopia: The Bovine TB Project Team

Abstract

Abstract
The importance of bovine tuberculosis to the economy and public health is being assessed in Ethiopia to generate the evidence base for better control options. A cross sectional prevalence survey in cattle and human populations will be conducted. The influence of cattle genetic background on susceptibility to bovine TB will be studied. Prevalence and type of M. bovis in exotic and local breeds will be compared and the immunology, pathology and genetics of cattle susceptibility studied. The efficacy of neonatal BCG vaccination will be tested in a natural transmission setting and a protocol developed for such trials. The cost of bovine TB to the society will be estimated and a cost-benefit model of intervention developed. The project will strengthen local capacity to undertake mycobacterial typing and epidemiological modelling studies. [Ethiop.J.Health Dev. 2008;22(Special Issue):128-131]