Epidemiology of Bovine Tuberculosis and Zoonotic Risk in Pastoral Communities of Niger State

Bovine tuberculosis caused by Mycobacterium bovis remains a significant zoonotic concern in Nigeria's pastoralist systems, where close human-animal interaction is the norm. This study investigated the epidemiology of bovine tuberculosis and assessed zoonotic transmission risk in pastoral communities of Niger State, North Central Nigeria. A cross-sectional study enrolled 300 Fulani pastoralists and their cattle herds across Lapai, Lavun, and Agaie Local Government Areas. Tuberculin skin testing using the single intradermal comparative cervical tuberculin test was performed on 400 cattle. Human participants provided sputum samples for Ziehl-Neelsen smear microscopy and GeneXpert molecular testing. Questionnaires collected data on raw milk consumption, animal contact patterns, and prior tuberculosis diagnosis. Bovine tuberculosis reactor prevalence was 7.8% in tested cattle. Human sputum-confirmed tuberculosis was identified in 3.3% of participants, and two cases yielded Mycobacterium bovis on molecular speciation. Raw milk consumption was reported by 91% of participants. The study concludes that bovine tuberculosis circulates in Niger State pastoral cattle and that human exposure through direct contact and raw dairy consumption is occurring. Mass tuberculin testing, test-and-slaughter compensation schemes, pasteurization promotion in pastoralist communities, and integration of bovine tuberculosis into human tuberculosis program screening are recommended. Keywords: bovine tuberculosis, Mycobacterium bovis, pastoral communities, zoonosis, Niger State