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Bovine TB cases prompt federal restrictions on state herds
Interstate commercial movement of cattle and bison from Minnesota faces increased TB testing and certification requirements.
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Federal regulators are tightening restrictions on the interstate commercial movement of cattle and bison from Minnesota.
This action by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, announced today, is in response to the series of discoveries of bovine tuberculosis in herds in northern Minnesota and is an effort to prevent the spread of TB.
The restrictions mean increased TB testing and certification requirements for most cattle and bison moving out of Minnesota.
Bovine TB is a contagious and infectious disease. It affects cattle, bison, deer, elk, goats and other warm-blooded species and can be fatal.
The disease can be transmitted to humans through direct contact with infected animals or consumption of raw milk. It is not transmitted through consumption of pasteurized milk.
The tightened restrictions take effect Wednesday.
Since 2005, Minnesota has found 11 infected cattle herds, all in Roseau and Beltrami counties, with the latest in February. The state Department of Natural Resources detected TB in wild deer in the same area where cattle had fallen sick with the infectious respiratory illness.
The federal downgrade was anticipated by state officials. Last week, the Minnesota Board of Animal Health, along with the Department of Agriculture, Department of Natural Resources, and the University of Minnesota Extension Service, announced creation of a website dedicated to the state's bovine TB response plan.
Visitors to mntbfree.com can find information on bovine TB's impact on wildlife, interstate movement, upcoming informational meetings, biosecurity, and more.
Also, Gov. Tim Pawlenty named Joe Martin, currently an assistant commissioner at the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, as state bovine TB coordinator. He'll help with eradication efforts, which involve killing infected herds and with ways to minimize the economic strain on cattle farmers.
PAUL WALSH
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