June 5, 2009 According to Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) State A herd of beef cattle in the Rock County area have tested positive for tuberculosis, according to Nebraska Department of Agriculture State Veterinarian Dr. Dennis Hughes.

The producer has been cooperating with NDA and USDA veterinarians as the quarantined herd undergoes testing and an epidemiological investigation.

"The testing of these animals will take a significant amount of time," said Hughes. "We will be working to determine the source of the infection, and the extent of the spread of the disease. Neighboring premises are being contacted to determine if the disease has spread beyond the original premise."

Tuberculosis is a slow, progressive disease and is difficult to diagnose in the early stages; however, as the disease progresses, animals can exhibit emaciation, lethargy, weakness, anorexia, low-grade fever, and pneumonia with a chronic, moist cough.

Further information on TB can be found at www.agr.ne.gov under the Bureau of Animal Industry link.

News Release
Nebraska Department of Agriculture