Thread: ND orders TB testing for California, New Mexico livestock im

ND orders TB testing for California, New Mexico livestock imports

Friday, July 11, 2008 3:26 PM CDT

The North Dakota State Board of Animal Health (BOAH) has tightened restrictions on imports of California and New Mexico livestock in response to confirmed cases of bovine tuberculosis in those states.

“The identification of additional herds infected with TB in California and New Mexico means both states will probably soon see their TB-accredited free status downgraded,â€

New Mexico to lose bovine tuberculosis free status
From the Current-Argus
Submitted to the Current-Argus
Article Launched: 08/07/2008 09:03:59 PM MDT


SANTA FE — New Mexico is within days of losing its' bovine tuberculosis Free status, according to New Mexico Cattle Growers' Association President Alisa Ogden of Loving. The loss will be triggered by publication of an emergency rule in the Federal Register by the U.S. Department of Agriculture which is expected by mid August at the latest and will become effective immediately, she reported.
"With the advent of pasteurization, bovine TB is not a threat to human health via milk or milk products," said Ogden, "but the loss of the status will cost beef producers in New Mexico millions of dollars annually until the Free status can be regained. At a minimum producers, will be required to test all breeding animals for TB leaving the state within 60 days prior to their movement."
Individual states have the option to require additional testing including cattle of other types and ages, she explained. Several states including California, Idaho, Illinois, Wisconsin, Nebraska and North Dakota have already imposed testing requirements,


http://www.currentargus.com/ci_10133160