A study was performed in 2008 to estimate the prevalence of tuberculosis and brucellosis in traditionally reared cattle of Southern Province in Zambia in four districts. The single comparative intradermal tuberculin test (SCITT) was used to identify TB reactors, and the Rose Bengal test (RBT), followed by confirmation with competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (c-ELISA), was used to test for brucellosis. A total of 459 animals were tested for tuberculosis and 395 for brucellosis. The overall prevalence of BTB based on the 4？mm and 3？mm cutoff criteria was 4.8% (95% CI: 2.6–7.0%) and 6.3% (95% CI: 3.8–8.8%), respectively. Change in skin thickness on SCITT was influenced by initial skin-fold thickness at the inoculation site, where animals with thinner skin had a tendency to give a larger tuberculin response. Brucellosis seroprevalence was estimated at 20.7% (95% CI: 17.0–24.4%). Comparison between results from RBT and c-ELISA showed good agreement (84.1%) and revealed subjectivity in RBT test results. Differences in brucellosis and tuberculosis prevalence across districts were attributed to type of husbandry practices and ecological factors. High prevalence of tuberculosis and brucellosis suggests that control control programmes are necessary for improved cattle productivity and reduced public health risk. 1. Introduction Bovine tuberculosis and brucellosis are major zoonotic diseases of worldwide economic and public health importance, especially in developing countries where the diseases are endemic [1]. In some developed countries, these diseases have been brought under control, with subsequent benefit to public health and decrease in associated economic losses. In developing countries, the public health importance of these zoonoses is often overshadowed by the “big three” diseases, malaria, HIV/AIDS, and human tuberculosis caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis [1]. Thus, diseases such as bovine tuberculosis and brucellosis, which are often associated with resource poor communities, are now termed “neglected zoonoses” probably as a way of raising awareness that something needs to be done to give these diseases their deserved attention [1]. Mycobacterium bovis is a member of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex, which also includes M. tuberculosis, M. africanum, M. microti, M. caprae, and M. pinnipedii [2]. Infections in animals are often subclinical, but when present, clinical signs may include weakness, dyspnoea, enlarged lymph nodes, coughing, and extreme emaciation, particularly in advanced cases. Bovine tuberculosis is usually diagnosed using
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