Minnesota loses TB-free status

ST. PAUL, Minn. – A bovine tuberculosis infected herd in Minnesota was depopulated in late January after approval of federal indemnity funding.
With the removal of this herd, all five TB-positive herds have been depopulated.
To date, the USDA has paid for the depopulation of almost 4,000 head of cattle from the state’s five infected herds.
Federal funds have also paid for the removal of 180 exposed cattle.
Important step. The depopulation of all of the infected herds is an important step in the process of regaining the state’s tuberculosis-free status, said Bill Hartmann, state veterinarian and Minnesota Board of Animal Health executive director.
“The state can apply for TB-free status two years after the last infected herd is depopulated, so it’s vital that we expedite depopulation of any infected herds,” Hartmann said.
As a result of finding five infected herds, the USDA also announced that it has downgraded Minnesota’s bovine TB status to “modified accredited advanced.”
State cattle producers must now adhere to both federal and state testing requirements when shipping cattle.
“All Minnesota cattle producers planning to ship cattle interstate should still contact their veterinarian to determine state import requirements prior to movement,” Hartmann said.
Quarantines. To date, 65 herds have been quarantined as a result of the state’s bovine tuberculosis investigation. Thirty-nine of these herds have been removed from quarantine as testing showed no infection.