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Bovine tuberculosis is an important bacterial zoonotic disease of animals caused by Mycobacterium bovis which affect animal health, production and overall economy of the country. Among animals, the disease transmission occurs mainly through inhalation. In calves, the disease may occur via ingestion of contaminated milk from infected dam and rarely via congenital or cutaneous route. The disease transmits to human through ingestion of contaminated milk or milk products and also through inhalation. The disease has a slow progression which creates difficulty in early diagnosis and treatment. Conventional diagnostic methods should be used in combination with modern molecular and immunological techniques for early and accurate diagnosis. Treatment is usually not recommended in animals. Vaccination is being carried out in some countries as a preventive measure. For control of the disease, slaughter of the reactor animals in developed countries and segregation of the suspected or reactor animals in developing countries is preferred. This article focuses on the historical perspectives and epidemiology of bovine tuberculosis.

Key words: Anergic, Mycobacterium bovis, Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex, Wildlife, zoonotic.