Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Bovine tuberculosis (bTB), a chronic, infectious disease caused by *Mycobacterium bovis*, poses a significant threat to both animal and human health globally. In India, it remains a persistent problem, impacting livestock productivity and contributing to human TB cases, particularly in vulnerable populations. The disease is zoonotic, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans. The National Action Plan for Prevention and Control of Bovine Tuberculosis was launched in 2018, highlighting its importance. This response will examine the control strategies implemented and critically analyze the factors hindering their success.
Understanding Bovine Tuberculosis and its Significance
Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is a disease primarily affecting cattle and buffaloes, but it can also infect other animals and humans. It is a major public health concern due to its zoonotic nature, with *Mycobacterium bovis* being a significant cause of human TB, especially in areas with poor animal health management. The economic losses due to reduced milk production, culling of animals, and control programs are substantial.
Current Control Strategies in India
India’s bTB control program employs a multi-pronged approach:
- Prevalence Reduction through Testing and Culling: Periodic mass screening of animals using Single Intradermal Tubercullin Test (SITT) is conducted. Infected animals are culled (eliminated) to reduce the disease reservoir.
- Post-vaccination Surveillance: Animals vaccinated with Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) are periodically screened to detect any infection.
- Extension Services: Veterinary extension services educate farmers on biosecurity measures, hygiene, and disease prevention.
- National Action Plan (NAP): Launched in 2018, NAP aims for a phased reduction in bTB prevalence through intensified screening, vaccination, and improved animal husbandry practices.
Reasons for Failure in Control Efforts
Despite these efforts, bTB control in India has faced significant challenges:
Logistical and Infrastructure Limitations
- Limited Resources: Inadequate funding for screening, vaccination, and diagnostic infrastructure hampers program effectiveness.
- Poor Accessibility: Remote and geographically challenging areas pose difficulties in reaching livestock populations for screening and vaccination.
- Lack of Trained Personnel: Shortage of trained veterinary personnel and diagnostic laboratories impacts the quality of testing and follow-up.
Biological and Environmental Factors
- Wild Animal Reservoir: The presence of TB-infected wild animals (e.g., leopards, sambar deer) contributes to re-infection of livestock.
- Poor Biosecurity: Inadequate biosecurity practices on farms, including poor hygiene and inadequate separation of healthy and infected animals, facilitate disease spread.
- Genetic Diversity of *M. bovis* : The presence of different strains of *M. bovis* can affect vaccine efficacy.
Socio-economic and Cultural Factors
- Farmer Resistance: Reluctance of farmers to participate in screening and culling programs due to economic losses and cultural attachment to livestock.
- Informal Livestock Trade: Unregulated movement of livestock across states and regions facilitates disease transmission.
Table: Comparison of Control Strategies and their Limitations
| Strategy | Limitations |
|---|---|
| SITT Screening & Culling | Costly, farmer resistance, potential for false positives |
| BCG Vaccination | Not 100% effective, requires booster doses, potential for false positives |
| Extension Services | Limited reach, inconsistent messaging |
Case Study: Rajasthan’s Struggle
Rajasthan, a state with a high bTB prevalence, exemplifies the challenges. Despite intensified screening and culling efforts, the disease persists due to a large wild animal reservoir, porous interstate borders, and limited farmer cooperation. The state's experience highlights the need for integrated, multi-sectoral approaches.
Conclusion
The control of bovine tuberculosis in India remains a complex challenge requiring a paradigm shift. While current strategies have had limited success, a more integrated approach is crucial. This includes strengthening biosecurity measures, improving diagnostic capabilities, engaging local communities, and addressing the wild animal reservoir. Investing in research for improved diagnostics and vaccines, coupled with robust monitoring and evaluation, is essential to achieve meaningful progress towards eliminating bTB and safeguarding both animal and human health.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.