Publication date: Dec 01, 2025

Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium bovis, primarily affecting cattle and presenting a zoonotic risk to humans. It adversely impacts milk and meat production, ultimately jeopardizing food security and livelihoods, particularly in developing countries like Ethiopia, where the disease is endemic. This cross-sectional study, conducted from January to December 2023, aimed to estimate the apparent prevalence of bTB, assess the distribution of lesions, and identify associated risk factors among cattle slaughtered at two municipal abattoirs. The study systematically examined the carcasses of 648 cattle. The results revealed an overall apparent prevalence of bTB of 6. 2 % (95 % CI: 4. 4 % – 8. 3 %), with no significant difference observed between the two abattoirs (p > 0. 05). The highest proportion of TB lesions (48. 8 %) was identified in the lungs and associated lymph nodes, followed by the mesenteric lymph nodes and livers (29. 3 %), and the lymph nodes of the head (21. 9 %). Multivariable logistic regression model identified breed and body condition scores as significant risk factors for the apparent prevalence of bTB. Specifically, crossbred cattle were found to be 2. 8 times more likely to exhibit TB lesions than Zebus. Additionally, cattle in poor body condition were 8. 4 times more likely to show TB lesions compared with those in good condition. These findings highlight the widespread occurrence of bTB among cattle, particularly in crossbred and poorly conditioned animals, with both respiratory and gastrointestinal tract involvement in the disease’s spread. The study underscores the urgent need for enhanced control and prevention strategies against bTB in the region.

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