Estimation of Brucella and Mycobacterium bovis contamination in bovine milk in Africa

Background and Aim: Bovine brucellosis and tuberculosis are zoonotic bacterial diseases transmitted through the consumption of raw milk and dairy products. Many developed countries have eliminated bovine brucellosis and tuberculosis in their cattle herds, however, the diseases are still endemic in A...

Full description

Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Nozyechi Ngulube Chidumayo
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Veterinary World 2021-02-01
Series:International Journal of One Health
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.onehealthjournal.org/Vol.7/No.1/6.pdf
Description
Summary:Background and Aim: Bovine brucellosis and tuberculosis are zoonotic bacterial diseases transmitted through the consumption of raw milk and dairy products. Many developed countries have eliminated bovine brucellosis and tuberculosis in their cattle herds, however, the diseases are still endemic in Africa. Despite the public health risk of these pathogens, the sale and consumption of unpasteurized milk are still common in some African countries. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of Brucella and Mycobacterium bovis in bovine milk. Materials and Methods: A conceptual model for milk contamination was constructed and 1 million simulations were performed using data from published articles. Results: Brucella milk contamination was estimated at a median of 8.68% (interquartile range [IQR]: 5.95-11.97%; range: 2.41-25.16%). The median prevalence of M. bovis was estimated at 6.86% (IQR: 4.25-9.40%; range: 0.01-15.16%). Conclusion: These results indicate that there is a risk of Brucella and M. bovis transmission through the consumption of unpasteurized milk. The findings of this study highlight the need to improve the safety and quality of informally marketed milk in the region.
ISSN:2455-5673
2455-8931