Pathology of pulmonary tuberculosis in cattle

Bovine tuberculosis is a zoonotic disease that causes respiratory disease in both cattle and humans. Involvement of the lung either due to endogenous origin or exposure to contaminated atmosphere through the trachea leads to tuberculosis. In the present study, a total number of 1804 cattle lungs of different age groups, sex and breeds were examined. Out of these 768 representative samples of lungs showing gross lesions, were further examined histopathologically. Out of these 23 cases (2.99%) were positive for pulmonary tuberculosis. Grossly, lungs were found to be consolidated and studded with grayish white nodules, mostly distributed in diaphragmatic lobes. Microscopically, granulomatous lesions typical of tuberculosis were evident in all cases.