ND Department of Agriculture Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MAY 8, 2009

CATTLE HERD TESTS NEGATIVE FOR TB; QUARANTINE LIFTED

BISMARCK – The cattle herd at the center of a potential tuberculosis outbreak in southwestern North Dakota has been found free of the disease and has been released from quarantine.

“North Dakota’s tuberculosis-free status remains in effect, and that is very good news,” Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring said Friday. “Thanks to the efforts of the State Board of Animal Health, state veterinarian’s office, federal officials and to the cooperation of the animals’ owners, the situation was quickly and efficiently wrapped up.”

Dr. Susan Keller, the state veterinarian, also expressed her appreciation to the herd’s owners for their assistance in the process.  “Without the cooperation of livestock producers, we cannot eradicate diseases such as tuberculosis.  I want to personally thank these producers for their willingness to work with our office.”

Testing of two of the four neighboring herds is complete with results on the third neighboring herd expected next week. Testing of the fourth neighboring herd will begin this month.

Last October, Keller was notified that a cow originating from southwest North Dakota was identified at a Minnesota slaughter facility as a suspect for tuberculosis. The diagnosis was later confirmed, and a herd investigation was initiated.

Two whole herd tests have been completed on the herd, and tissues from suspect animals were forwarded to the National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL) in Ames, IA, for additional testing.  All tests by the NVSL were negative, and the quarantine was lifted Friday.

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MEDIA:  For more information, please call Dr. Susan Keller or Dr. Beth Carlson at (701) 328-2655.