Prevalence of bovine tuberculosis in beef feedlot of Borena cattle by using comparative intradermal skin test, Adama, Ethiopia

Abstract

A cross-sectional study was carried out from August to November, 2015 among feedlot cattle in and around Adama export feedlot farms by using comparative intradermal tuberculin skin test to estimate the prevalence of bovine tuberculosis and to assess the associated risk factors. The individual animal prevalence with 4 mm cut-off point and with 2 mm cut-off point was 4.39% (95% CI: 2.59- 6.19) and 9.58% (95% CI: 6.99-12.16), respectively. In univariate logistic regression analysis, older animals (OR=7.11, 95% CI: 1.7-29.8), cattle from Yabello market (OR=5.66, 95% CI: 2.4-13.2) and cattle in feedlot 5 (OR=2.65, 95% CI: 1.03-6.8) were more likely to be tuberculin reactors than younger animals, cattle originated from Dubliqu market and those from feedlot I, respectively. In multivariable logistic regression, however, only feedlot farm difference showed a statistical significance difference among the groups with the OR=3.4 (95% CI: 1.2-9.5), while other factors were not statistically significant. In conclusion, the study revealed the occurrence of bovine tuberculosis in Adama export feedlot farms composed mainly of Borena cattle breeds which were established for export of fattened live beef cattle and hence, the findings of this study warrants the need to design a farm based control strategies at feedlot level and testing of animals during the purchase of the cattle at the market place of the animals.

Keywords: Bovine tuberculosis, Comparative tuberculin testing, Feedlot farm, Prevalence, Risk factor