1st ed. 2019 Edition
by Asseged B. Dibaba (Editor), Nicolaas P. J. Kriek (Editor), Charles O. Thoen (Editor)
This book recounts the biology of M. bovis,
followed by the status of bovine Tuberculosis (bTB) in African
countries, primarily based on zoonotic and epidemiological field
reports. Since the accumulation of data is valueless unless it led to
practicable control measures, emphasis is put on locally adapted
protocols for future control of the disease. In order to systematically
evaluate the knowledge base of bTB, Epidemiologic Problem Oriented
Approach (EPOA) methodology was used. The methodology is composed of two
triads: i) the problem identification/characterization triad, which is
mainly descriptive in nature, and ii) the problem
management/solution/mitigation triad, which is mainly geared toward
problem management/solution (see figure). The first triad comprises
three pillars: i) agent ii) host, and iii) environment and the second
one: i) therapeutics/treatment, ii) prevention/control, and iii) health
maintenance/promotion. The two triads are linked together by the
diagnostic procedure linkage. The systematic and detailed studies of the
‘Host-Agent-Environment’ interactions are the building blocks to the
understanding of agent transmission pathways and disease spread. These
may include data about the disease status of the country, the nature of
the disease agent and its hosts, the modes of transmission, the wildlife
reservoirs in nature, persistence of infection, and agent survival in
animal products and the environment. The problem identification and
characterization triad identifies these interactions. Once a problem has
been identified and well understood, the next step is to minimize the
risk of transmission and spread of a disease. This area, referred to as
problem solution/management triad, consists of problem management
alternatives that rely upon prevention/control, and health
maintenance/promotion of the disease in livestock, wildlife, and humans
with the emphasis on resource-poor, developing countries in Africa.
