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State Senate panel approves bovine TB plan
A Minnesota Senate panel voted Wednesday for a plan to contain and eradicate bovine tuberculosis in part of northwestern Minnesota where the disease has infected both cattle and deer.
The Finance Committee approved the bill from Sen. Rod Skoe, DFL-Clearbrook.
Its main provision is a $3.5 million buyout and fencing program for herd owners in the outbreak area.
Ranchers and farmers could sell their herds for $500 per head, plus ongoing yearly payments of $75 per head until the area is disease-free. The animals would be destroyed.
Livestock owners could also get aid to put up more fences separating cattle from deer, since bovine TB spreads through contact between the animals.
Skoe said livestock owners have recognized the need for aggressive, quick action against the disease.
"This is a hard disease to control," he said.
Separately, the U.S. Department of Agriculture said it will spend $16.8 million to eradicate bovine tuberculosis in Minnesota, Michigan and California. The money will go toward culling infected cattle herds and extra surveillance of white-tailed deer that might be carrying the illness.
Bovine TB infects cattle, bison, deer, elk, goats and other species.
Special license plates during Women's OpenCourtesy cars ferrying golfers to and from Edina's Interlachen Country Club could get temporary special license plates during the U.S. Women's Open in June.
The Senate Finance Committee has approved the proposal from Sen. Geoff Michel, R-Edina.
It would allow as many as 250 special plates, costing $10 apiece and expiring on July 4. They would go on a fleet of brand-new courtesy cars used to bring players to the course from their hotels.
Dealer plates could be used, but they're only good for four days.
The U.S. Women's Open will be held at Interlachen from June 23 to 29.
Michel says the privilege has been granted for other golf tournaments and will probably be needed again.
Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska will host next year's PGA championship and the 2016 Ryder Cup.
ASSOCIATED PRESS
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