Bovine TB Found In Northern Minn. Cattle Herd
MINNESOTA - Minnesota suffered a setback in its campaign to eradicate a livestock disease called bovine tuberculosis, when state officials said today that another infected cattle herd has been found.The new infection, in a northwest Minnesota beef herd, is the 8th confirmed case discovered since bovine TB resurfaced in the state in 2005, after a 34-year absence. Because it's the first infection found in a year, the discovery also frustrates state efforts for Minnesota to regain its TB-free status.
Bovine TB is an infectious disease mostly affecting cattle, deer and goats, but in very rare cases, the infection can also be passed to humans. Minnesota is one of just three U.S. states not to be accredited as bovine TB-free, which adds extra costs, delays and complications for the state's livestock producers.
Dr. Bill Hartmann, the state veterinarian, said that the latest infected herd in Beltrami County had been tested last year and no disease was detected. A second follow-up test this fall found the disease.
Further Reading
- Find out more information on Bovine Tuberculosis by clicking here. |