*1Tangsom Hyellamada Chama., 1Yohanna Yusuf. and 2Enid Godwin
1Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Taraba State University, Jalingo, Nigeria.
2Department of Veterinary Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Yakubu Gown University, Abuja, Nigeria
*Corresponding author’s Email: rejoicetangsomc@gmail.com, doi.org/10.55639/607.020100124
ABSTRACT
Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) which is primarily caused by Mycobacterium bovis, is a chronic zoonotic disease of global veterinary and public health concern, remaining endemic across much of sub-Saharan Africa including Nigeria. Despite its well established epidemiological burden, there is lack of empirical data on bTB prevalence in North-East Nigeria, particularly in Taraba State. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of bTB-compatible acid-fast bacilli (AFB) in lung samples from cattle slaughtered at two abattoir facilities in Jalingo metropolis, and to assess the influence of sex and age on infection status. The study employed a cross-sectional abattoir survey, which was conducted between February and March 2024 at the Jalingo Municipal Abattoir and the Bagobiri Slaughter House. Using purposive participatory meat inspection, a total of 100 lung samples exhibiting gross lesions compatible with bTB were collected (60 from Jalingo abattoir; 40 from Bagobiri). Samples were processed and examined for the presence of acid fast bacilli using the Ziehl-Neelsen staining method. Findings revealed an overall, 6 of the 100 suspected-lesion samples (6.0%) confirmed AFB-positive. Site specific AFB-positivity rates were 6.67% (4/60) at the Jalingo abattoir and 5.00% (2/40) at Bagobiri. Adults exhibited a higher AFB-positivity rate than young animals, and females demonstrated marginally higher positivity than males at both sites. The confirmed presence of AFB-positive lesions at both facilities points to sustained bTB circulation in the local cattle population, with direct implications for public health, food safety, and livestock productivity. Ziehl-Neelsen staining detects acid-fast bacilli but does not confirm Mycobacterium bovis. Therefore, the findings indicate presumptive evidence rather than definitive confirmation. The study recommends systematic ante-mortem screening, routine abattoir-level surveillance, and targeted public awareness programmes.
KEYWORDS
Bovine tuberculosis, Mycobacterium bovis, Acid-fast bacilli, Ziehl-Neelsen