Human Vaccine Slashes TB Transmission in Cows – Milk Safe Again?

In a groundbreaking discovery, researchers have found that a vaccine commonly used to combat tuberculosis (TB) in humans is remarkably effective in reducing the spread of the disease among livestock, offering new hope in the fight against bovine tuberculosis. Published in the prestigious journal Science, this study unveils a potential game changer in the battle to safeguard both animal and human health.

Bovine TB not only inflicts substantial economic losses on the global agricultural sector but also poses a significant risk to public health, with zoonotic transmissions accounting for about 10% of human TB cases. The emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains in cattle bacteria further complicates treatment efforts, making prevention all the more crucial.

Lead author Vivek Kapur, a microbiology and infectious diseases expert at Penn State, underscores the urgency of finding alternatives to the traditional approach of culling infected animals. "By vaccinating cattle, we hope to be able to protect both cattle and humans from the consequences of this devastating disease," he explains.

The study, conducted in Ethiopia, revealed that the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine not only directly shields vaccinated cattle from TB but also slashes transmission rates by nearly 90%. Moreover, vaccinated cows displayed fewer visible signs of the disease, indicating a dual benefit of the vaccine in disease prevention and reduction of infectiousness.

Andrew Conlan, co-author and epidemiology expert at the University of Cambridge, highlights the broader implications of these findings. "Routine vaccination of calves within the dairy sector of Ethiopia could halt the projected increase in TB cases, steering herds towards eventual elimination of the disease," he explains.

The significance of this breakthrough extends far beyond Ethiopia, resonating with countries grappling with bovine TB worldwide. Professor James Wood of the University of Cambridge underscores the importance of vaccination in reducing transmission rates, particularly in nations like the United Kingdom, Ireland, and New Zealand, where TB control programs remain costly and challenging.

With support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and other key stakeholders, this research marks a pivotal step towards curbing the spread of bovine TB and safeguarding global food security. As scientists continue to explore innovative solutions, the prospect of a TB-free future for both livestock and humans becomes increasingly attainable.

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