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An outbreak of tuberculosis affecting cattle and people on an Irish dairy farm, following the consumption of raw milk
Author(s)
Date Issued
2009
Date Available
2014-07-31T11:54:10Z
Abstract
Bovine tuberculosis is an ongoing problem in Ireland, and herd incidence has remained at approximately 5% for some years. Spillover of infection from cattle to people remains an ever-present possibility, given the ongoing pool of infection in the Irish cattle population. This paper describes an outbreak of tuberculosis affecting cattle and people on a dairy farm in southeastern Ireland following the consumption of milk from a seven-year-old cow with tuberculous mastitis. Twenty-five of 28 calves born during autumn 2004 and spring 2005 were subsequently identified as TB reactors, and five of six family members were positive on the Mantoux test. During 2005, milk from this cow had mainly been used to feed calves, and was added only occasionally to the bulk tank. Therefore, the calves each received infected milk on an almost continuous basis between birth and weaning. The family collected milk from the bulk milk tank, and consumed it without pasteurisation. This case highlights the risks associated with the consumption of raw milk. In this family, TB has had a very significant impact on the health of two young children. These risks are well recognised, and relevant information for farmers is available. It is of concern, therefore, that raw milk consumption remains prevalent on Irish farms. New strategies are needed, in partnership with industry, to address this important issue.
Type of Material
Journal Article
Publisher
Springer (Biomed Central Ltd.)
Journal
Irish Veterinary Journal
Volume
62
Issue
6
Copyright (Published Version)
2009 the author(s)
Language
English
Status of Item
Peer reviewed
This item is made available under a Creative Commons License
File(s)
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Name
2009final_IVJ_Doran.pdf
Size
4.54 MB
Format
Adobe PDF
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5ec0c168423e553f8607982f3785f5d3
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