End of the Innotub project on bovine tuberculosis
The first project of the Innotub research network on tuberculosis in animals, in which ANSES took part, came to an end on 31 May 2022. It aimed to improve the monitoring and control of this disease in cattle and wildlife.
Bovine tuberculosis is a zoonotic disease. It is responsible for significant economic losses on farms and can constitute an occupational risk for farmers, veterinarians, slaughterhouse employees and hunters. It primarily affects cattle, as well as goats in Spain.
The disease is caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium caprae. Some wild animals, such as wild boar, can also become infected and transmit the bacteria to cattle. This project led to the development of new biosecurity and diagnostic tools and potential vaccines for goats. The strategy for communicating with farmers was also improved to strengthen activities dedicated to the control of tuberculosis. The work undertaken focused primarily on the Pyrenees, an area heavily affected by the disease. The project was co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) through the Interreg V-A Spain-France-Andorra (POCTEFA 2014-2020) programme.