Mycobacterium bovis: The Cause of Bovine Tuberculosis (TB)

The microbe that causes tuberculosis (TB) in cattle is Mycobacterium bovis. It is a member of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex, which also includes the bacterium that causes TB in humans. M. bovis is primarily a pathogen of cattle, but it can also infect other animals, including humans. TB is a chronic, contagious disease that affects the lungs and other organs. It is spread through the air when an infected animal or person coughs, sneezes, or speaks.