Human, canine and feline tuberculosis

Tuberculosis is a zoonotic disease common to humans and a wide variety of vertebrate animal species. Domestic carnivores are highly susceptible to tuberculosis infection, mainly Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the agent of human tuberculosis, which they can be indicative of. The frequency of tuberculosis in domestic carnivores in Tunisia is second only to bovine tuberculosis. In domestic carnivores, clinical and epidemiological data on tuberculosis are rare. Moreover, at present, according to several authors, the main source of contamination of carnivores is man. Moreover, the management of domestic carnivores infected or suspected of having tuberculosis is a public interest mission because these animals are probably excretors in the environment. It is important to establish an active cooperation between veterinarians and physicians in the one health concept. Tuberculosis is an excellent example of a common concern between human and veterinary medicine. This collaboration must continue in order to eradicate tuberculosis.