Science-based set of measures to detect bovine tuberculosis in the Republic of Dagestan

Introduction. Given the current epizootic situation and the specifics of livestock farming in the Republic of Dagestan, it is essential to monitor the implementation of preventive measures and improve methods of bovine tuberculosis (bTB) control to prevent its spread. Within this system of measures, qualified diagnosis is a key element. An integrated differential diagnostic approach using various tuberculosis testing methods in farms with different epizootic statuses is promising.

Objective. To compare the effectiveness of the proposed methods for bTB diagnosis and to summarise data on the circulation of tuberculous and non-tuberculous forms of mycobacteria in nature.

Materials and methods. Allergic tests were conducted using 1,768 cattle; serological tests included 1,634 serum samples in the complement fixation test and 2,127 samples in the indirect haemagglutination test. Bacteriological tests involved 63 biomaterial samples and 97 environmental object samples. The performance of various culture media in mycobacteria isolation was tested using 36 biomaterial samples from tuberculin PPD-reacting cows and heifers.

Results. The practical significance of the palpebral and intravenous tests was confirmed for identifying diseased animals and making initial diagnoses. The intravenous test also proved effective in some cattle. Serum antibody testing revealed high specificity of the complement fixation test for detecting anergic animals in long-term affected herds, whereas the indirect hemagglutination test demonstrated low specificity. Of the 63 biomaterial samples analysed, 46 cultures were isolated: 10 (21.7%) were identified as Mycobacterium bovis, and 36 (78.3%) as non-tuberculous species. Of the latter, 32 cultures (88.9%) were classified into group II and 4 cultures (11.1%) – into group III according to Runyon classification. Of the 97 environmental object samples analysed, 64 cultures were isolated: 4 (6.3%) were identified as Mycobacterium bovis, 35 (54.7%) belonged to group II and 25 (39.0%) – to group III of non-tuberculous mycobacteria according to Runyon classification. To assess the culture media performance, 36 biomaterial samples from tuberculin PPD reactor cows and heifers were studied. The 8 cultures isolated (22.2%) were identified as Mycobacterium bovis; 28 (77.8%) were classified as non-tuberculous mycobacteria of Runyon’s groups II (11 – 39.3%) and of group III (17 – 60.7%). As for growth of typical and non-tuberculous forms of mycobacteria, Lowenstein – Jensen medium showed the best growth properties.

Conclusion. A comprehensive study of animals using differential diagnostic methods, including serological tests, improves the effectiveness of differential diagnosis.

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