Finally, having caught up a bit, I can get on to today's news:

South Dakota cow tests positive for bovine TB

By Tom Johnston on 2/12/2007 for Meatingplace.com

Animal health officials are investigating the circumstances surrounding a South Dakota cow infected with bovine tuberculosis. Originating in a cull cow feedlot in the state's southeastern region, the cow that tested positive was sold to a slaughterhouse in Wisconsin. South Dakota veterinarian Sam Holland told reporters that initial tests were negative, but a third test confirmed the infection and the herd was quarantined. Testing will determine whether the disease has spread, he said. The state could lose its tuberculosis-free status if more than two herds are found to be infected.

Having just been testing cattle for TB (albeit in a slightly different setting; see the photo below), I found this very interesting. Feedlot cows would be very susceptible to spreading TB: close quarters, large mixing, stress, respiratory disease. But where did the cow come from? We don't have bovine TB in S Dakota . . . but we do have it in Minnesota. This is where we need the NAID system for quick and easy trace-back.