September 1, 2006

US state of Minnesota to test more cattle for Bovine TB

The state of Minnesota is setting up a state-wide programme to test cattle herds for Bovine Tuberculosis (TB).

After three beef herds in the state were tested positive for the disease in 2005 and two more herds in 2006, the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) demoted Minnesota's status from "Accredited-free" to "Modified Accredited Advanced".

The rating meant cattle and bison producers would have to follow a set of federal guidelines on cattle and bison identification and TB testing when exporting animals out of state.

To regain the "Accredited-free" status, the state must conduct additional TB testing throughout the state. Herds would be selected according to USDA criteria.

Ranchers of selected herds would receive a letter explaining the testing process. Testing can be done by a local TB certified veterinarian or by a state or federal veterinarian.

State Veterinarian Dr Bill Hartmann said if no additional cases of bovine TB emerges, the state would likely regain its TB-free designation by early 2008.