Which social practice in Ethiopia may contribute to the spread of TB?

Consuming raw milk and meat can contribute to the spread of tuberculosis (TB) in Ethiopia due to several factors related to food safety and the transmission of zoonotic diseases. In regions where TB is prevalent, raw animal products may harbor Mycobacterium bovis, the bacterium responsible for bovine tuberculosis, which can be transmitted to humans through the consumption of untreated dairy and undercooked meats.

This practice can increase the risk of infection among individuals who consume these products, especially if there are inadequate regulations regarding animal health and food safety practices. Zoonotic transmission through contaminated food sources presents a significant public health challenge, particularly in low-resource settings where access to health education, veterinary services, and effective food processing techniques may be limited.

Other practices, such as consuming cooked grains, drinking bottled water, or using herbal medicines, generally do not have the same direct association with the transmission of TB in the context of foodborne pathways. While these practices carry their own health risks or benefits, they do not significantly facilitate the spread of tuberculosis as consuming raw milk and meat does.