Monday, February 12, 2007

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.

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