Bovine tuberculosis is a chronic bacterial disease of animals, which can transmit to humans. Complex disease epidemiology and interactions between the disease pathogen, hosts and local environments make the elimination of bovine tuberculosis challenging.
17 EU countries are currently free from infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (Mycobacterium bovis, M.caprae and M. tuberculosis), thanks to dedicated EU investments for many years. Three EU countries have achieved this status in part of their territory. Elimination of tuberculosis (infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex) in bovine animals in the Union remains a priority.
In 2021 and 2022, the Commission is awarding €17 million and €12.4 million, respectively, to 5 EU countries to reduce the prevalence and incidence of bovine tuberculosis in herds.
The aim is to further increase the number of Member States free from bovine tuberculosis.