What type of samples are typically tested for Tuberculosis in cattle?

Testing for Tuberculosis in cattle typically involves evaluating blood and tissue samples, making this the most appropriate answer. Blood tests, such as the interferon-gamma release assay, are often employed to identify the immune response of the cattle to the Mycobacterium bovis, the bacteria responsible for tuberculosis in cattle. Tissue samples can be taken during post-mortem examinations to identify granulomatous lesions that are indicative of tuberculosis infection.

The other options do not represent standard practices for TB testing in cattle. Saliva and urine are not commonly used in testing due to their lower reliability in indicating the presence of the disease. Fecal samples are likewise not suitable because tuberculosis primarily affects the respiratory system and the detection of the pathogen in feces is rare. Muscle biopsies may be used in specific research contexts but are not part of routine testing protocols for tuberculosis in cattle, making blood and tissue samples the prime method for diagnosis and monitoring of the disease in these animals.