This study was aimed to investigate the best area for application of bovine purified protein derivative (PPD) for the imunoallergic test for tuberculosis, in 15 sheep (Ovis aries) experimentally sensitized with Mycobacterium bovis AN5. Based on the best response obtained in the previous phase, the dose of bovine PPD to be applied was evaluated. After 60 days of sensitization, the bovine PPD was applied at 5 distinct body regions to measure the skinfold thickness and reaction, at moments before (0h) and after injection (12h, 24h, 48h, 72h and 96h), with skinfold calipers. Statistical analysis showed significance for the best site of application: the dorsal thoracic region, followed by the middle cervical and dorsal abdominal, at 48 and 72 hours after injection of bovine PPD. The thoracic region was chosen as the best site for application. It is recommended that the reading of the tuberculin response in sheep should be made 72h after the PPD application, using a dose of 0.1 mL.
Tuberculosis; PPD; sheep; allergic response; zoonosis