What is the primary TB surveillance test that accredited veterinarians perform for cattle?

What is the primary TB surveillance test that accredited veterinarians perform for cattle?

• A. Blood antibody ELISA
• B. Intradermal tuberculin test
• C. Skin scratch test
• D. Intradermal caudal fold test

Answer: (D)

The main idea is that official bovine TB surveillance relies on a skin test that measures the animal’s immune response to tuberculin. Accredited veterinarians perform an intradermal tuberculin challenge specifically in the tail’s caudal fold. The reaction is read after about 72 hours, and a positive response indicates exposure to Mycobacterium bovis, prompting actions under the TB program. This caudal fold site is used because it’s practical, reliable in cattle, and standardized for official testing across herds. While blood-based antibody tests exist, they’re not the primary surveillance method in many programs, and other non-tuberculin skin tests aren’t used for routine TB surveillance.

The main idea is that official bovine TB surveillance relies on a skin test that measures the animal’s immune response to tuberculin. Accredited veterinarians perform an intradermal tuberculin challenge specifically in the tail’s caudal fold. The reaction is read after about 72 hours, and a positive response indicates exposure to Mycobacterium bovis, prompting actions under the TB program. This caudal fold site is used because it’s practical, reliable in cattle, and standardized for official testing across herds. While blood-based antibody tests exist, they’re not the primary surveillance method in many programs, and other non-tuberculin skin tests aren’t used for routine TB surveillance.