Mycobacterium bovis

Mycobacterium bovis is a type of bacteria closely related to the bacteria that cause tuberculosis in humans. It primarily infects cattle but can also spread to other animals and humans, mainly through inhalation of contaminated aerosols or consuming unpasteurized dairy products from infected animals. In humans, it can cause a tuberculosis-like illness, affecting the lungs and other parts of the body. Control measures include testing and culling infected animals, pasteurizing milk, and maintaining good hygiene practices in farms and food production. While less common in humans today, M. bovis remains a concern for public health and livestock management.