Bovine tuberculosis can potentially infect humans, resulting in lesions across the respiratory tract and body. Humans can contract bTB from cattle primarily through drinking milk contaminated with Mycobacterium bovis. However the overall risk to humans is LOW since milk is now routinely pasteurized.

Other animals can potentially also spread bTB to humans during close contact such as through slaughter or veterinary care. Accidental exposure in laboratories is another possible route of infection. These routes of infection are highly unlikely though.