DETECTION OF MYCOBACTERIUM BOVIS INFECTION IN DIFFERENT BREEDS OF CATTLE SELECTED FROM SETTLED AND SEMI-SETTLED HERDS IN KANO STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Tuberculin skin test was used to detect cattle infected with Mycobacterium bovis in 250 apparently healthy cattle of different ages, and breeds from eight herds, under Settled and Semi settled management system. Out of the 250 cattle tested, 183 were from settled herds and 67 from semi settled. The results showed a prevalence of 8.2% in the settled herds with no positive reactors in the semi settled herds. Cattle older than 6 years had a prevalence of 9.0% (8) this was followed by age group 3.5-6years 4.5% (3)and 1- 3.5years (4.2%) respectively. Prevalence based on breeds showed Bunaji0.0% (0) Sokoto Gudali3.5% (2), Crosses 12.0% (8) and Friesian 35.7% (5). In conclusion M. bovis infection was detected in the settled herds with no positive reactors in the semi settled. It is hereby recommended that routine testing of settled and semi settled herds should beregularly carriedoutinorder to identify positive reactors and also recommend necessary treatment and control measures.