Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is one of the major pending issues in the field of animal health and production in Andalusia, the multi-host character, affecting both different species of domestic animals and wildlife, and the absence of diagnostic tools that allow an early diagnosis, are the main obstacles found in the control of bTB.

In this project, the development of antemortem diagnostic techniques is proposed (serological techniques and based on the immune response), as postmortem, (real-time PCR techniques from the lesions observed in the slaughterhouse), allowing the differentiation of different mycobacteria. This approach will allow to carry out rapid decision-making avoiding the long waiting periods associated with bacteriological culture.

On the other hand, the diagnostic techniques will be evaluated by the different laboratories participating in the project, carrying out an intercomparative study to maximize the probabilities of success in the generation of a tool that will put at sector disposal.

At the same time, a bTB control strategy will be developed with an impact on the domestic livestock-wildlife interface, through the application of measures for integral management of the exploitation. Likewise, epidemiological models will be developed to identify risk factors that determine the presentation of bTB, model its transmission and establish comprehensive control measures.

All this will serve to raise, recommendations and improvement plans aimed at: 1)The inclusion of innovative diagnostic techniques in national programs for the eradication of the disease and its implementation in the territory, 2)The improvement in the management of livestock farms, 3)Mitigate the infection from hunting and wild fauna