Ireland facing a Bovine TB outbreak that is a growing threat to humans

Outbreak News: Ireland is grappling with a significant outbreak of bovine tuberculosis (TB), a disease that not only affects cattle but can also be transmitted to humans. Fine Gael’s Spokesperson on Agriculture, Tim Lombard, recently highlighted the escalating crisis, stating, “We are experiencing an outbreak of TB across the country that we cannot control.” This Outbreak News report explores the gravity of the situation, its potential impact on humans, and the findings of recent studies on bovine TB.


Ireland facing a Bovine TB outbreak that is a growing threat to humans

Alarming Rise in Bovine TB Infections
As of September 1, 2024, the incidence of bovine TB in Ireland has surged to worrying levels. On a 12-month rolling basis, the herd incidence rate has risen to 5.52%, compared to 4.74% at the same time last year. This translates to 5,607 herds being restricted in the past 12 months, a stark increase from the 4,872 herds in the previous year.
 
Certain regions, such as Cork, have been hit particularly hard. Lombard, representing this area, described the situation as dire: "In the past six months, the tuberculosis reactor rate in Cork has increased by 22%. This is causing terrible stress and hardship for the families involved." He shared personal accounts from local farmers who have lost a significant number of cattle to the disease. One neighbor lost ten cows after a TB test, while another farmer saw 52 reactors in a single week.
https://www.independent.ie/farming/news/we-are-experiencing-an-outbreak-of-tb-across-the-country-that-we-cannot-control/a1894524276.html
 
The rapid spread of bovine TB is not just a financial burden for farmers but also a public health concern. As the disease progresses within cattle herds, there is a rising fear that it could spread further and become a more serious issue for human health.
 
What is Bovine Tuberculosis?
Bovine tuberculosis (bovine TB) is a chronic disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium bovis, which is closely related to the bacteria responsible for human tuberculosis. While primarily a disease that affects cattle, bovine TB can also infect other animals, including deer, exotic species like rhinoceroses, and even non-human primates. Importantly, this strain of TB can also infect humans, which adds an additional layer of concern to the current outbreak in Ireland.
 
How is Bovine TB Transmitted to Humans?
Transmission from infected cattle to humans usually occurs in one of three ways:
 
-Consumption of Raw Milk or Dairy Products: Drinking unpasteurized milk or consuming products made from raw milk is the most common way humans contract bovine TB. This mode of transmission is especially prevalent in areas where pasteurization is not strictly enforced.
 & lt;br /> -Airborne Exposure: People who spend prolonged periods near infected cattle can inhale the bacteria, leading to potential infection. This is a significant risk for farmers, veterinarians, and slaughterhouse workers who are in close contact with livestock.
 
-Direct Contact with Infected Animals: In rare cases, bovine TB can be transmitted through cuts or open wounds when handling infected cattle or their carcasses.
 
Symptoms of Bovine TB in Humans
The symptoms of bovine TB in humans are similar to those of human TB, affecting the lungs, lymph nodes, or digestive organs. Early signs include a persistent cough, fever, night sweats, chest pain, and loss of appetite. As the disease progresses, it can cause permanent damage to the organs and even result in death if left untreated. Those infected can also spread the disease to others, making early diagnosis and treatment critical.
https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/CDPH%20Document%20Library/Bovine-TB-Fact-Sheet.pdf
 
The Growing Concern for Human Health
While most people exposed to Mycobacterium bovis do not develop symptoms, those with weakened immune systems, such as the elderly or very young, are more vulnerable. Early treatment can significantly reduce the risk of developing active TB disease. However, with the current rise in bovine TB infections in cattle, concerns are growing about the potential for the disease to spill over into the human population.
 
Experts have stressed the importance of monitoring dairy products, especially raw milk, which poses the greatest risk for human transmission. Although pasteurization effectively kills the TB bacteria, some regions may not strictly adhere to pasteurization processes, particularly in rural or underdeveloped areas. This means that people who consume unpasteurized dairy products, whether in Ireland or abroad, may be at risk.
 
Diagnosing and Treating Bovine TB in Humans
Bovine TB can be diagnosed in humans using the same methods as human TB. A TB skin test (TST) or an Interferon-Gamma Release Assay (IGRA) is commonly used to determine if a person has been infected. While these tests indicate exposure to TB bacteria, they cannot differentiate between human and bovine TB or identify how recently the infection occurred. Additional tests, such as chest X-rays and examinations of sputum, urine, or stool, are needed to confirm the presence of active TB disease.
 
Thankfully, bovine TB is treatable. Treatment typically involves a 6- to 12-month course of antibiotics tailored to the patient's symptoms and condition. Early detection and treatment are essential to prevent further complications and the potential spread of the disease to others.
 
Preventing the Spread of Bovine TB
There are several steps individuals and communities can take to reduce the risk of bovine TB transmission:
 
-Avoiding Raw Dairy Products: The simplest way to protect yourself from bovine TB is to avoid consuming raw or unpasteurized milk and dairy products. Pasteurized products are safe, as the bacteria are killed during the pasteurization process.
 
-Monitoring Livestock: For farmers, regular testing of cattle herds for TB is crucial. Infected animals should be isolated or culled to prevent further spread within the herd.
 
-Protective Measures for Workers: Those working closely with cattle, such as farmers, veterinarians, and slaughterhouse staff, should follow strict infection control protocols to minimize the risk of airborne transmission. Wearing protective equipment and ensuring proper ventilation in areas where animals are housed can help reduce the risk.
 
Conclusion: A Public Health Crisis in the Making
Ireland’s bovine TB outbreak is not just an agricultural issue; it is a public health concern with the potential to affect humans. The rise in infection rates, particularly in counties like Cork, underscores the need for immediate action to control the spread of the disease. If left unchecked, bovine TB could pose a significant threat to both the farming industry and the broader population, especially those who consume raw milk products or work closely with livestock.
Authorities must intensify their efforts in monitoring, testing, and eradicating the disease in cattle herds. Public awareness campaigns should also educate people on the risks of consuming unpasteurized dairy products and the importance of early detection and treatment.
 
For the latest Outbreak News, keep on logging to Thailand Medical News.
 
Read Also:
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/egypt-reports-intestinal-flu-outbreak-with-more-than-489-cases-hospitalized-so-far
 
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/nipah-virus-outbreak-triggers-quarantine-and-school-closures-in-kerala-india