The movement of infected animals from one herd to another with subsequent extended close contact can increase this risk. Bovine tuberculosis may produce infection in humans. Owners and handlers of infected cattle are at risk. Anyone who may have come in direct contact with infected animals should seek medical advice. Quarantining of the premises ensures that no other humans can come in direct contact with the infected cattle or premises.
Bovine tuberculosis is a reportable disease in Canada.
Regulations require that all infected animals as well as all exposed susceptible animals be destroyed. This is the only proven way to eliminate the disease. Because 95 percent of all commercial animals slaughtered are sent to a federal abattoir, the CFIA uses an abattoir surveillance system which looks primarily for tuberculosis-like lesions in the lymph nodes of slaughtered animals. When a farm has been declared infected, it is immediately put under quarantine and the provincial health department in the area of the known infection is alerted. Owners can be compensated up to the maximum amount established under the Health of Animals Act.