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Cats and TB - Media statement from Cats Protection

Following news of two people developing tuberculosis (TB) after contact with a cat infected with ‘Mycobacterium bovis' (M. bovis), UK charity Cats Protection is keen to reassure people that the risk of contracting the disease from their pet is minimal.

Information from Public Health England states that M. bovis is still uncommon in cats and the risk to public is "very low."

Many cats which have Mycobacterial infections have spontaneously-resolving skin lesions which are not a risk to people. Those cats which do have tuberculous Mycobacteria lesions are most commonly infected by a type of bacteria called Mycobacteria microti, which is caught from voles and is incredibly rare in people.

Cat owners should always seek veterinary advice if their cat is unwell, has a lump or a wound - however in 99% of such cases, the issue will not be due to any type of Mycobacterial infection, and rarer still to be caused by a type of Mycobacteria that can infect people.

Advice for pet owners about 'M. bovis' infections in companion animals is available on the Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency website: http://www.defra.gov.uk/ahvla-en/files/AG-TBYP-01.pdf