Comparative effectiveness of diagnostic methods for tuberculosis in cattle

Among a number of infectious diseases of cattle that cause significant damage, tuberculosis occupies a special place. This disease not only has serious economic consequences for agriculture, but also remains a socio-biological problem. The leading role in the system of anti-epizootic measures belongs to the diagnosis of tuberculosis. The currently used traditional methods of indication and identification of the causative agent of tuberculosis do not satisfy practice for many reasons (they are quite labor-intensive, require time and materials). Consequently, the creation and implementation of innovative methods for studying animals for tuberculosis, together with optimization of existing ones, is a very urgent task, both in practical and scientific terms. One of the innovative methods for intravital diagnosis of tuberculosis is spectrophotometry using computer software. 57 heads of cattle were examined, in which tuberculous changes in the lymph nodes were recorded, and an allergic reaction to the administration of tuberculin was noted. 50 cows from a farm free of tuberculosis and other chronic diseases of infectious etiology were used as a control. Subsequently, blood samples were taken from these animals for examination using the spectrophotometric method using the SPECORD M-400 apparatus. Microscopic, bacteriological, biochemical and biological methods were used as traditional diagnostic methods. As a result of the studies, it was established that a day is enough to make a preliminary intravital diagnosis using spectrophotometry, while traditional methods will require at least 2-3 months.