I got a PM from a forum member is not much active on this forum but looks at it from time to time, who is concerned they may have bovine TB in the family cattle herd.

The first thing to remember is that it is transferable to humans through the milk – so don’t drink the milk.

The second thing is that it will spread – not may spread, it will spread throughout the herd, so you need to get those cows out the herd as soon as you suspect TB.

Thirdly, it is prevalent and common in Thailand: 3 out of 4 herds will have TB positive cattle in them, and, depending on whose figures you choose to accept, the overall incidence is some 6% - 12% of all cattle in the country are infected at any one time.

The 2 most prevalent strains of bovine TB are Sphingomonas and Methylobacterium

How do you recognise Bovine TB in cattle?

1) Loss of appetite – the cow will be eating less than others of the same age, weight and size

2) It will start to loose weight and general body score will drop

3) It will appear weak and in walking from field to field will constantly lag towards the back of the herd

4) It will suffer from intermittent fever – check rectal temp it should not exceed 103degree Fraenheit on a hot day.

The problem is the disease can sit in cattle for months (if not more than a year in cases) before these symptoms show – such is the nature of the beast.

As soon as Bovine TB is suspected - isolate the suspects from the herd

If Bovine TB is diagnosed in any of your cattle, ensure that the TB strain is identified and the vet can tell you which strain it is. If you decide to treat with anti-biotic, ensure the anti-biotic that is used is strain specific i.e. that it is useable against the strain of bovine TB that has been diagnosed. Thai vets have a horrible habit of just taking out of their bag whatever they have and charging you for that. That’s not good animal husbandry, if anything it’s actually worse than giving the animal no antibiotic because it contributes to long term MDR (multi-drug–resistance).

Make sure the correct anti-biotic is used – or none at all.

If they are dairy cattle, there really is no debate - the cow must pack its bags and go.

The meat is usable subject to been cooked properly - I emphasize PROPERLY - I think the figure is around 200degree F for about 10 -15 minutes, but what ever the case, there really is no space in a productive dairy herd for a TB positive cow.

Tim

Hi I

am TONY,

that was a very usefull information.

Thank's

actually wondered about that also

they dont do testing -- i'm asking but dont have a shift key to type the question....

cause for milk that would be even more important ....

Intersting thread

What about pasteurising the milk?

Does that happen here in Thailand?

MM