Global prevalence and risk factors of bovine tuberculosis in cattle a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Clinical Context

Peer-reviewed veterinary literature continues to shape everyday decision-making for production animal practice, especially when new evidence clarifies diagnosis, treatment selection, monitoring, or clinical outcomes.

What the Study Evaluated

A study published in Frontiers in veterinary science in 2026 evaluated global prevalence and risk factors of bovine tuberculosis in cattle: a systematic review and meta-analysis..

Key Findings

Bovine tuberculosis (bTB), caused by Mycobacterium bovis , is a chronic zoonotic disease of major global importance, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where surveillance and control remain inadequate. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the global prevalence of bTB, identify key risk factors, and evaluate diagnostic approaches to support evidence-based control strategies within a One Health framework. A systematic search following PRISMA 2020 guidelines was conducted across eight electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, CAB Abstracts, SpringerLink, and AJOL)...

Why It Matters for Veterinary Professionals

For veterinary professionals, the practical value of this work lies in how the findings may support more structured clinical assessment, clearer monitoring, and more informed decisions for production animal practice.

Practical Interpretation

The results should be interpreted in the context of the study design, population, inclusion criteria, and clinical setting. Application in practice should consider patient-specific risk factors, available diagnostics, local standards of care, and clinician judgment.

Clinical Takeaway

Overall, the study adds useful evidence for clinicians seeking to align daily practice with current veterinary research while maintaining a balanced, case-by-case approach.

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