Bovine TB Control Strategies and Trends

Bovine tuberculosis (bovine TB) is a serious infectious disease affecting cattle, caused by Mycobacterium bovis. It spreads through inhalation or ingestion of bacteria, leading to abscesses in the body. While primarily a cattle disease, it can affect other animals and humans, though human cases have decreased due to milk pasteurization. Bovine TB poses significant economic and legal challenges, particularly in the UK, where it threatens the livestock industry. Control measures include testing, culling, and vaccination, with a government strategy aiming for bovine TB freedom by 2038.

What is the primary cause of bovine tuberculosis?

• A bacterium

• A virus

• A fungus

• A parasite

Which animal is a significant carrier of bovine TB in parts of England?

• Goats

• Badgers

• Deer

• Cats

Why is it important to control bovine TB in the UK?

• To enhance wildlife diversity

• To improve cattle breeding

• To protect human health and the economy

• To increase milk production

What has been the trend in bovine TB cases in the UK over the last three decades?

• Decreased significantly

• Remained stable

• Fluctuated randomly

• Increased significantly

Which country is NOT mentioned as having successfully reduced bovine TB?

• Ireland

• New Zealand

• Australia

• Canada

What is one of the current methods used to control bovine TB?

• Vaccinating all cattle

• Routine testing of healthy cattle

• Genetic modification of cattle

• Using antibiotics in feed

What is a limitation of the badger vaccine mentioned in the video?

• It requires monthly administration

• It is ineffective in all badgers

• It is too expensive to produce

• It does not protect already sick badgers

What is the target year for England to become bovine TB free?

• 2045

• 2038

• 2030

• 2025

What is a new element in the strategy to eradicate bovine TB by 2038?

• Developing better tests and vaccines

• Banning cattle farming

• Increasing cattle imports

• Reducing milk production

Why can't we wait for new control methods to become available?

• The current methods are too effective

• The disease is not a priority

• The strategy uses available tools now

• The disease is already eradicated