Abstract
Bovine tuberculosis is a major zoonotic disease, and cattle are the main source of infection for humans. The disease also causes economic losses in the dairy and beef industries, primarily due to reduced milk and meat production, condemned carcasses at slaughterhouses, and, in rare cases, cattle mortality. As a result, many countries have implemented measures to control or eradicate it. Brazil is a major player in the international beef market, but bovine tuberculosis remains a significant animal health issue in search of an effective solution. This review provides data on the epidemiological situation of the disease in the country, the initiatives being implemented, and the prospects for the future. Brazil only established a rational program to combat the disease in 2001. For 90% of Brazil's cattle population, high-quality epidemiological data show that the prevalence of tuberculosis-infected herds in Brazilian states ranges from 0.16% to 9.0%, with some states exhibiting significant internal heterogeneity. The disease in Brazil is most commonly associated with high-production dairy farms. Its spread is primarily attributed to the introduction of animals without proper precautions against the disease, although specific factors may vary depending on the state. The accreditation of tuberculosis-free herds has yielded very poor results in Brazil. Currently, there are only 5,472 tuberculosis-free accredited farms in the entire country, 97% of which are in the two southern states: Santa Catarina (3,3050, and Rio Grande do Sul (1,981). The remaining 197 tuberculosis-free herds are distributed across 11 other states. Santa Catarina and Mato Grosso have recently implemented surveillance systems with the aim of eradicating the disease. It is essential that these systems achieve adequate levels of efficiency, as they will serve as a model for other Brazilian states. This situation raises concerns about the zoonotic transmission of Mycobacterium bovis in Brazil, both occupationally and among populations that consume unpasteurized dairy products. Special attention should be given to dairy products made with unpasteurized milk, which can be authorized only if the properties are accredited as free of tuberculosis and brucellosis. Otherwise, the milk must be pasteurized to ensure health guarantees for dairy consumers.