Daily News Update, Jan. 03, 2008

More than 1,500 Minnesota cattle herds test negative
for Bovine TB

Minnesota's Board of Animal Health has announced that 1,500 Minnesota cattle herds have tested negative for bovine tuberculosis (TB) as part of the statewide Bovine TB surveillance.  This completes the testing campaign, aimed at locating and eliminating any infection that might remain in the state and bringing Minnesota closer to regaining TB-free status.

"The successful completion of this testing campaign is a direct result of the tireless efforts of Minnesota's cattle producers and veterinarians," said Minnesota Board of Animal Health Senior Veterinarian Dr. Linda Glaser.   "For producers, completing a TB herd test is a complicated and time consuming task, but 1,500 producers rose to the occasion. These individuals went above and beyond for their industry and we thank them for that."

The statewide surveillance, which began in September 2006, is part of a comprehensive plan authored by the Board with state and federal partners to eliminate bovine TB from Minnesota's livestock and wildlife populations.

In addition to the 1,500 statewide surveillance herds, 326 herds have been tested as part of the state's disease investigation and area testing efforts. Testing continues in northwestern Minnesota where the disease has been found.

More information on bovine TB in Minnesota and the testing campaign can be found at www.bah.state.mn.us by clicking Bovine Tuberculosis under the Hot Topics menu or by calling the Minnesota TB Hotline at (877) 668-2373.

Texas' Cattle TB Program

Texas regained TB-free status in September 2006, after losing the status in 2002.  As part of a five-point strategy to regain Texas' TB-free status, 342,937 dairy cattle and 128,489 seed stock and purebred beef cattle were tested.  One infected Texas dairy was detected and depopulated before the state regained "free" status.

Under current regulations, all dairy breed cattle must be identified prior to entering Texas. Sexually intact dairy cattle older than two months of age must have a negative TB test within 60 days prior to entering Texas. These animals also must be accompanied by a certificate of veterinary inspection.

Sexually intact dairy cattle younger than two months of age entering the state must have a Texas entry permit and a certificate of veterinary inspection.  The animals must go to a premises to be held until they are tested negative for TB at the age of two months.

Dairy cattle entering Texas are exempt from the TB test requirement only if they are transported directly to slaughter or to an approved feedlot, then slaughter.  These animals must be identified, and have a Texas entry permit and a certificate of veterinary inspection.

Mexican-origin (M-branded) steers recognized as potential rodeo and/or roping stock and entering Texas from other states must have had a negative TB test within the previous 12 months. A certificate of veterinary inspection issued within the previous 30 days also must accompany these animals