Evaluation of the relative risk and estimation of the prevalence of bovine tuberculosis, based on tuberculosis injuries in bovine animals in slaughterhouses of the state of Espírito Santo

The regional distribution and the relative risk of bovine tuberculosis are fundamental for directing disease control actions. The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence and relative risk of bovine tuberculosis in animals raised in different regions of the State of Espírito Santo, based on surveys of tuberculosis lesions in cattle slaughtered in state slaughterhouses from 2009 to 2012. The incidence of tuberculosis lesions in cattle slaughtered in Espírito Santo was 0.23% and varied among study regions from 0.04% to 0.44%, being higher in the south of the state (44%). Muqui stood out as the municipality where it has a greater occurrence of injuries (1%) and the greater relative risk. The results evidenced the necessity of elaboration and adoption of measures according to the intrinsic characteristics of each region.