[The intradermal tuberculin test: literature, directive and implementation in practice]

Because of an increase in the number of cases of bovine tuberculosis in southern Germany (Allgäu region, mainly in the administrative district Swabia) during recent years, blanket tuberculosis testing was resumed in this region. The aim of this study was to review the veterinarians' current knowledge regarding the technique of the intradermal tuberculin test. As a consequence, a guide with precise instructions for the execution and interpretation of intradermal tuberculin testing in cattle based on the current legislation should be created.

Using a questionnaire, farm-animal practitioners' knowledge and experiences of intradermal tuberculin testing were surveyed, collected and evaluated. Legislative texts on tuberculosis (particularly testing of tuberculosis) were evaluated in their current and previous versions, and compared with the experiences reported by the veterinarians.

A total of 137 veterinarians participated and 130 returned questionnaires could be evaluated. Forty-four of the 130 participants were involved in tuberculosis testing when the survey was performed. Of these 44 questionnaires, 42 were incorporated in the final evaluation. The majority of the veterinarians perform the intradermal tuberculosis test as laid down in the Commission Regulation (EC) no. 1226/2002 of 8 July 2002 amending Annex B to Council Directive 64/432/EEC. However, many practitioners do not comply with the requirements of the Commission Regulation (EC) no. 1226/2002 when evaluating the results of the intradermal tuberculosis test. Veterinarians showing the least accordance with required standards only test single animals or work in areas other than Swabia.

In areas severely affected by tuberculosis, the technique of intradermal tuberculosis testing is performed almost as demanded by the Commission Regulation (EC) no. 1226/2002. However, a more uniform and careful approach should be sought when monitoring the results. The guide designed in the context of this study can help to improve the performance of the intradermal tuberculosis test. The information from the literature review also shows that there is currently no standardized method of intradermal tuberculosis testing.