After an absence of tuberculosis in 2019, tuberculosis was again detected in cattle at 2 farms in our country at the end of 2020 and the beginning of 2021. Further outbreaks are possible after the epidemiological investigation and the investigations carried out in the contact farms.
The 2 farms that have been confirmed to date are located in the province of Limburg and in the province of Liège. Both outbreaks are located in wooded areas with game, although the risk is not limited to such wooded areas.
As you know, bovine tuberculosis can also develop in certain species of wild animals (wild boar, deer and badgers).
Qualified Persons (GP) act as key figures in the wildlife – domestic animal contact area and have a key role to play in the early detection of bovine tuberculosis in wild fauna.
We take this opportunity to draw your attention to the necessary increased vigilance required of the GPs when carrying out the initial examination of carcasses of wild cervidae/suidae killed in the hunting areas, mainly in and in the vicinity of these provinces, with regard to any injury that may indicate tuberculosis. Further information and photos of injuries can be found in the Circular on the regulatory obligations of qualified persons for the first examination of game – Call for vigilance with regard to injuries indicating African swine fever or tuberculosis in wild game (PCCB/S3/1219397).
The strict application of this circular is necessary to prevent the disease from establishing itself in the wild in a sustainable way and from transmitting the disease to breeding animals.
You will also find general information about bovine tuberculosis and the evolution of the situation in Belgium via the following link : http://www.favv-afsca.fgov.be/dierengezondheid/tuberculose/
We count on your willing cooperation and wish to thank you in advance.
