Tuberculosis spread from animals to humans may be greater than previously thought. Summary: The number of human tuberculosis (TB) cases that are due to transmission from animals, as opposed to human-to-human transmission, may be much higher than previously estimated, according to an international team of researchers.

What animal does tuberculosis come from?

Mycobacterium bovis (M. bovis) is another mycobacterium that can cause TB disease in people. M. bovis is most commonly found in cattle and other animals such as bison, elk, and deer.

Did tuberculosis originate in animals?

The origins of human tuberculosis have been traced back to hunter-gatherer groups in Africa 70,000 years ago, an international team of scientists say. The research goes against common belief that TB originated in animals only 10,000 years ago and spread to humans.