NDA: 1,700 Cattle Test Negative for Bovine TB in First Round of Tests

NDA: 1,700 Cattle Test Negative for Bovine TB in First Round of Tests

July 1, 2009

All results were negative from the first week of bovine tuberculosis (TB) testing of quarantined herds, according to Nebraska Director of Agriculture (NDA) Greg Ibach. Approximately 1,700 head of cattle were tested June 15-21. Results are still pending for an additional 3,300 head of cattle tested last week.

"We appreciate the ongoing cooperation NDA has received from producers with quarantined herds, as well as the assistance of U.S. Department of Agriculture personnel," Ibach said. "Through a team effort, we have made huge strides toward addressing this disease situation.

"That said, we still have a great deal of work to do, so I ask for continued patience, communication and cooperation."

Ibach also updated the number of quarantined herds and the counties in which those herds are located. Staff continues the epidemiological investigation, which currently is focused on researching sales records of the TB-infected herd from the past two years, as well as testing quarantined herds. As of yesterday, 43 herds are quarantined in 14 Nebraska counties. The counties include Rock, Holt, Loup, Boyd, Brown, Cedar, Colfax, Gage, Keya Paha, Pierce, Nance, Cherry, Blaine, and Buffalo.

NDA announced on June 1, 2009, that a cow from a Rock County beef herd had tested positive for bovine TB. The herd remains under quarantine. A second cow from that herd later tested positive for the disease. The epidemiological investigation involves locating any cattle that may have been pastured next to the infected herd during the past two years, as well as tracing cattle movement into and out of the herd during that time.

"It's important to remember that at this time, only one herd has had animals test positive for TB," said Ibach.

Starting this week, NDA will update test result information, counties with herd quarantines and other relevant TB information on its web site at www.agr.ne.gov, under the bovine TB button on the right side of the home page. Information will be updated on Mondays.

News Release
Nebraska Department of Agriculture

 

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