Bovine tuberculosis in Spain, is it really the final countdown?

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) poses significant zoonotic risks, affecting animal and human health, alongside substantial economic losses.
• Decades-long eradication programs are implemented globally, with particular focus within the European Union (EU).

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the relevance of bTB within the EU context.
• To summarize the epidemiological status and control tools for bTB across EU member states.
• To provide an in-depth analysis of the bTB situation in Spain, including its eradication program and historical data.

Main Methods:

• Review of epidemiological data and control strategies employed in EU countries.
• Detailed examination of Spain's bTB eradication program, including diagnostic tests, surveillance, and laboratory infrastructure.
• Analysis of epidemiological indicators and studies contributing to program improvements in Spain.

Main Results:

• The manuscript outlines the current bTB epidemiological landscape in the EU.
• Spain's specific bTB situation, including trends in epidemiological indicators over recent decades, is comprehensively described.
• Key features of the Spanish bTB eradication program and its evolution are presented.

Conclusions:

• The study underscores the ongoing challenges and strategies for bTB control and eradication in the EU, with a specific focus on Spain.
• Continuous improvement of eradication programs, informed by scientific studies, is crucial for achieving bTB elimination.
• Spain aims for bTB eradication by 2030, necessitating sustained efforts and adaptive strategies.