Epidemiology of bovine tuberculosis in Tanzania: Systematic review and meta-analysis

Lusaka – A comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis has cast a spotlight on the persistent challenge of bovine tuberculosis (bTB) in Tanzania, a finding that carries significant implications for neighbouring countries like Zambia. The study, published in PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases, consolidates existing research to provide a clearer epidemiological picture of bTB, a zoonotic disease that not only devastates livestock populations but also poses a considerable public health risk. Authored by Yohana Siyajali Anatory, Blandina T. Mmbaga, Beatus Lyimo, and Joram Buza, the research underscores bTB's prevalence across various livestock systems in Tanzania. While specific prevalence rates would be detailed in the full paper, the very act of conducting a meta-analysis suggests a widespread and concerning presence. The disease, caused by *Mycobacterium bovis*, leads to reduced productivity in cattle, affecting milk and meat yields, and can result in significant economic losses for farmers – a scenario all too familiar in Zambia's own agricultural sector. The zoonotic nature of bTB means it can be transmitted from animals to humans, primarily through the consumption of unpasteurised milk or undercooked meat, or via direct contact with infected animals. This human health dimension is particularly critical in regions with limited access to modern veterinary services, robust food safety regulations, and public health awareness campaigns. For Zambia, which shares similar socio-economic and agricultural characteristics with Tanzania, the findings serve as a stark reminder of the potential for cross-border disease transmission and the need for harmonised regional strategies. The authors' work implicitly calls for strengthened surveillance programmes, improved diagnostic capacities, and effective control measures, including test-and-slaughter policies or vaccination where feasible. The Zambian government, through its Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, has been wor