Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious disease of both animals and humans. It is caused by three specific types of bacteria that are part of the Mycobacterium group: Mycobacterium bovis, M. avium, and M. tuberculosis. Bovine TB, caused by M. bovis, can be transmitted from livestock to humans and other animals.
The cooperative Federal-State-Industry effort to eradicate bovine TB from cattle in the United States has made significant progress since the program's inception in 1917. The disease has nearly been eliminated from the livestock population of the United States. Many consider this one of the great animal and public health achievements in the United States. However, our ultimate goal of eradication remains elusive as animal health officials continue to detect TB sporadically in livestock herds.
Bovine TB Factsheets
U.S. - Mexico Binational Tuberculosis, Brucellosis, and Cattle Fever Tick Committee Meeting
Surveillance and Testing
Cervid TB Dual Path Platform VetTB Assay (DPP) Guidance