Molecular detection of Mycobacterium bovis in cattle herds of the state of Pernambuco, Brazil

Background The present study aimed to direct detect Mycobacterium bovis in milk ( n = 401) and blood ( n = 401) samples collected from 401 dairy cows of 20 properties located in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil, by real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) targeting the region of difference 4 (RD4). Risk factors possibly associated with bovine tuberculosis (BTB) were also evaluated. Results Of the 802 samples analyzed, one milk (0.25 %) and eight blood (2 %) samples were positive for M. bovis in the qPCR and their identities were confirmed by sequencing. Animals positive for M. bovis were found in six (30 %) of the 20 properties visited. None of the risk factors evaluated were statistically associated with BTB. Conclusions M. bovis DNA was detected in one milk sample what may pose a risk to public health because raw milk is commonly consumed in Brazil.