Nurse treated for bovine TB

Defra has confirmed that a nurse and dog are being treated for bovine TB

published 1 September 2008

A veterinary nurse and her dog are being treated after they contracted bovine TB.

The nurse, from Cornwall, was thought test cattle for bovine TB, and Defra (the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs) has confirmed it is now investigating how the disease crossed species.

The nurse's daughter is also receiving medication, although the Health Protection Agency says that the current threat to humans is negligable.

Bovine TB was confirmed in 33 cases involving humans in Britain in 2006, and in 2007, there were two cases in the South West.

It is unclear whether the nurse in Cornwall infected the dog with bovine TB, or vice versa.

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