Roseau County beef cattle test positive for bovine tuberculosis

Last update: February 4, 2008 - 9:40 PM

Beef cattle from a Roseau operation tested positive for bovine tuberculosis (TB), the Minnesota Board of Animal Health reported today. The state has now detected bovine TB in 10 beef herds.

The newly detected herd was tested because of its proximity to an operation that tested positive for bovine TB in 2005. The Roseau County herd tested negative in 2005 and 2006, but in a third round of testing this month, two animals tested suspect for bovine TB.

State Board of Animal Health Executive Director and state veterinarian Dr. Bill Hartmann said that if another infected herd is found, Minnesota's TB status may be downgraded.

"It's important that we prepare for all possibilities," Hartmann said, "and unfortunately, one scenario would see the downgrading of our status. ... ''

Human exposure to bovine tuberculosis through the milk or meat supply is unlikely. Meat inspectors check all cattle entering the marketplace for signs of the disease before and after slaughter. Any suspect animals are withheld from the food supply. In addition, adequate cooking destroys the bacteria.

More information on bovine TB in Minnesota and the testing campaign can be found on the board's website, at www.bah.state.mn.us, by clicking Bovine Tuberculosis under the Hot Topics menu or by calling the Minnesota TB Hotline at 1-877-668-2373.

PAUL WALSH

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