3012 Cattle Infected With TB From 2018-21

A total of 3012 cattle were infected with tuberculosis (TB) from 2018 to 2021, says Minister for Agriculture Mahendra Reddy.

Responding to a written question made in parliament, Mr Reddy said in 2018, 1681 cattle which was five per cent of the total number of cattle tested were infected.

TB in cattle is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium bovis. It’s a serious animal health problem, and has been regarded as a threat to the cattle farming industry.

He said in 2019, 1117 which was 3.1 per cent of the number tested were infected.

He added that in 2020, 900 which was two per cent of the total number tested were infected with 387 infected last year.

“In 2021, the total number of cattle tested was significantly low due to COVID restrictions,” he said.

“As widely recommended worldwide, the ministry is practising routine testing on farms at 90 days interval and removal of infected animals.”

Mr Reddy said as a standard requirement, the farm was given free status from TB once the ministry had completed three clear tests on the farm.

Meat Inspectors

In a previous interview, the ministry had mentioned that meat inspectors carry out a thorough inspection whereby the good part which is of good quality does not pose any health risks to humans.

The ministry said that cattle found with tuberculosis were culled, infected regions removed and then the rest of the carcass were sold to butchers for human consumption.

The meat after the infected parts were removed is not detrimental to humans.

Feedback:  inoke.rabonu@fijisun.com.fj