tb041808
On the homepage
Crimefighting
Out There
Mental health
Health care
Home | Politically Connected | State Politics
House approves buyout plan to stem bovine TB outbreak
The legislation, which passed 131-0, is expected to move to the Senate next week.
Print this story
E-mail this story
Save to del.icio.us
Share on Facebook
Share on DiggMore from State Politics
Hoping to eradicate bovine tuberculosis before it spreads beyond a corner of northwestern Minnesota, the state House unanimously passed a $6.2 million program Thursday that would provide for cattle buyouts, fencing and livestock testing.
The bill also includes an additional $1.2 million, offered by the Minnesota Cattlemen's Association, to pay a $1 bovine TB control assessment on each head bought in the state in 2009. The money would go to the Board of Animal Health for control measures.
Rep. Dave Olin, DFL-Thief River Falls, said he expects the bill that he sponsored will go before the Senate next week and that Gov. Tim Pawlenty will sign it.
Pawlenty appointed a state bovine TB coordinator this month and has expressed support for efforts to wipe out the infectious respiratory illness, which poses a threat to the state's cattle industry.
"There's general agreement that the forceful nature [of the bill] is necessary," Olin said.
The bill contains $3.35 million to reimburse ranchers and farmers for herds in the area of the TB outbreak, and to cover most of the cost of fencing cattle to keep them separate from deer.
Animals bought by the state would be slaughtered.
The state would pay $500 per head and $75 each year for each animal killed until the outbreak is arrested. The buyout program would be voluntary, but cattle owners in the outbreak area who don't participate would have to agree to a risk assessment and fencing if necessary.
As of February, Minnesota had found 11 infected cattle herds in Roseau and Beltrami counties since 2005. The state Department of Natural Resources detected TB in deer in the same area where cattle had fallen sick.
KEVIN DUCHSCHERE
Recent State Politics stories
Ellison reveals cost of trip to Mecca: $13.5K - April 17, 2008
Ellison reveals cost of trip to Mecca: $13.5K - "I didn't do anything wrong," he said of how he reported it. More
Current state office holders
Governor: Tim Pawlenty
One of only a few prominent Republicans to win a competitive re-election contest in the Democratic sweep of 2006, Tim Pawlenty is widely seen as politically shrewd and naturally likable.
- Lt. Governor: Carol Molnau
- Secretary of State: Mark Ritchie
- Attorney General: Lori Swanson
- State Auditor: Rebecca Otto
Minnesota's political giants: Learn more about the men and women who have shaped Minnesota's political history.
  Open positions!A new career awaits. Look through thousands of listings to find your new job. Start now! No resume? No problem!Create a skills profile in minutes, let a recruiter match you to an open position. Click here to get started. |
Win tickets to see Brett Dennen at Pantages Theatre.Vita.mn presents Brett Dennen with Grace Potter and The Nocturnals at Pantages Theatre on Nov. 27. |
Comment on this story | Be the first to comment | Hide reader comments