Retrospective study of prevalence and economic losses due to Bovine tuberculosis in Gombe Township Abattoir, Northeastern-Nigeria

Abstract

Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is a chronic zoonotic disease of cattle associated with high economic losses in beef and dairy farms in most developing countries including Nigeria. A 10-year retrospective study (2008-2017) using post- mortem (PM) meat inspection records of slaughtered cattle at the Gombe township abattoir (GTA) to estimate the prevalence and economic losses from bTB was investigated. The current prices of meat/kg in Naira currency (₦) and US Dollars ($) equivalent were determined. A total of 178,847 cattle were examined post-slaughter, A total of 1,722 (0.96%) were affected with bTB lesions. Lungs were the organs most affected, A higher prevalence of 1,120 (1.06%) of bTB was recorded in the wet season compared with dry season with 602 (0.83%). There were statistically significant associations (p<0.05) between annual, seasonal, temporal factors and bTB prevalence. The economic losses associated with total condemned organs due to bTB was estimated at ₦7,636,800.00 ($18,626.34). The average loss from condemned lungs per annum was ₦ 4,132,800 ($10,080). It was established that bTB was responsible for significant economic losses due to the condemned organs of slaughtered cattle at the Gombe township abattoir.