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Facts about Bovine TB

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About Bovine TB

Bovine TB is a type of tuberculosis caused by bacteria that can make people sick.You can catch Bovine TB by drinking raw (unpasteurized) milk or eating milk products (cheeses). Bovine TB Picture1

How You Can Catch Bovine TB

You can become infected with bovine TB when you eat unpasteurized cheese. The unpasteurized cheese could be brought into the U.S. by family or friends coming from Latin America, or could be sent to the U.S. and sold in Latino Mercados (grocery stores). Occasionally, unlabeled cheese could be sold door-to-door. Products found to be contaminated with bovine TB include:

  • Queso Fresco
  • Queso Blanco
  • Crema Mexicana
  • Cotija
Bovine TB Picture 2

How You Can Avoid Getting Sick With Bovine TB

Don’t drink raw (unpasteurized) milk, or eat cheese or milk products that are unpasteurized because it may make you sick. Check the label, and only drink milk and eat dairy products that are labeled “pasteurized.”  

Symptoms of Bovine TB

Bovine TB has the same symptoms of tuberculosis, which include cough, high fever, chest pain, weight loss, swollen lymph glands, or stomach pains.  

What You Should Do if You Have Symptoms

If you or someone in your household has the symptoms listed above, after eating raw dairy products, please call your doctor or contact the Prince George’s County Health Department Tuberculosis Control Program at 301-583-3110 (TDD for the hearing impaired 301-883-7877).  

 


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