Vet nurse infected with Bovine TB

Many farmers blame badgers for the spread of TB in cattle herds

A veterinary nurse has become infected with a type of tuberculosis (TB) normally found in cattle.

The Health Protection Agency said the risk posed by Bovine TB to humans was "negligible" and measures were being taken to minimise any future risk.

In 2006, of nearly 300 cases of TB in the South West, six were transmitted from cattle to humans. Last year there were two cases.

TB is a bacterium and is treated with a six-month course of antibiotics.

Many farmers blame badgers for the spread of Bovine TB in cattle herds, but the government has said there will be no large-scale cull of the animals.

'Direct contact'

About 4,000 herds were affected by the disease in the UK last year.

Ian Johnson, from the National Farmers' Union, said: "It can be passed from animals to humans, but it is very rare and usually involves direct contact."

He told BBC News there was no risk to food or milk products.

"Milk is routinely pasteurised and that will destroy any possibility of cross infection," he added.

No further information about the veterinary nurse has been released.

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