title: Researchers warn of M. bovis infection threat in rural areas.
abstract: Bovine tuberculosis (TB), caused by Mycobacterium bovis, remains a serious animal health problem in the UK, in spite of longstanding statutory surveillance and control measures. Endemic infection in the Eurasian badger population is thought to complicate bovine TB eradication efforts. Sporadic cases of M. bovis infection have also been reported in domestic animals other than cattle. Human M. bovis infection is extremely rare in the UK population in the absence of unpasteurised milk consumption or residence abroad.