TSCRA Offers Reward for Information in Cattle Killings

Courtesy of TSCRA

A reward is being offered for information regarding the almost 30 head of cattle that have been reported as shot and killed in a concentrated area in Northeastern Oklahoma since August. As recently as a few days ago, three bred cows and one llama were killed at a ranch near Claremore, OK, about 30 miles northeast of Tulsa. Read more on the TSCRA Web site.

USDA Issues Disaster Payments for Crop, Livestock and Feed Losses

Courtesy of TSCRA

Acting Agriculture Secretary Chuck Conner announced that USDA will begin issuing payments Thursday to tens of thousands of farmers and ranchers across the country who suffered losses because of natural disasters.

"Numerous agricultural producers suffered financial hardships in recent years because of floods, wildfires, tornadoes and other weather-related disasters," Conner said. "These funds will provide assistance to producers affected by these disasters." Read more on the TSCRA Web site.

More than 1500 Minnesota Cattle Herds Test Negative for Bovine TB Minnesota cattle producers cooperate to complete bovine tuberculosis surveillance

From Texas Animal Health Commission Press Release

St. Paul, MN – The Board of Animal Health announced on January 3, 2008, that 1,500 Minnesota cattle herds have tested negative for bovine tuberculosis (TB) as part of the Statewide Bovine TB Surveillance. This completes the testing campaign, aimed at locating and eliminating any infection that might remain in the state and bringing Minnesota closer to regaining TB-free status.

“The successful completion of this testing campaign is a direct result of the tireless efforts of Minnesota’s cattle producers and veterinarians,” said Minnesota Board of Animal Health Senior Veterinarian Dr. Linda Glaser. “For producers, completing a TB herd test is a complicated and time consuming task, but 1,500 producers rose to the occasion. These individuals went above and beyond for their industry and we thank them for that.”

The statewide surveillance, which began in September 2006, is part of a comprehensive plan authored by the Board with state and federal partners to eliminate bovine TB from Minnesota’s livestock and wildlife populations. In addition to the 1,500 statewide surveillance herds, 326 herds have been tested as part of the state’s disease investigation and area testing efforts. Testing continues in northwestern Minnesota where the disease has been found.

More information on bovine TB in Minnesota and the testing campaign can be found at www.bah.state.mn.us by clicking Bovine Tuberculosis under the Hot Topics menu or by calling the Minnesota TB Hotline at 877-MN TB FREE (668-2373).

Texas’ Cattle TB Program

From Texas Animal Health Commission Press Release

Texas regained TB-free status in September 2006, after losing the status in 2002. As part of a five-point strategy to regain Texas' TB-free status, 342,937 dairy cattle and 128,489 seed stock and purebred beef cattle were tested. One infected Texas dairy was detected and depopulated before the state regained "free" status.

Under current regulations, all dairy breed cattle must be identified prior to entering Texas. Sexually intact dairy cattle older than two months of age must have a negative TB test within 60 days prior to entering Texas. A certificate of veterinary inspection also must accompany these animals.

Sexually intact dairy cattle younger than two months of age entering the state must have a Texas entry permit and a certificate of veterinary inspection. The animals must go to a premises, to be held until they are tested negative for TB at the age of two months.

Dairy cattle entering Texas are exempt from the TB test requirement only if they are transported directly to slaughter or to an approved feedlot, then slaughter. These animals must be identified, and have a Texas entry permit and a certificate of veterinary inspection.

Mexican-origin (M-branded) steers recognized, as potential rodeo and/or roping stock and entering Texas from other states must have had a negative TB test within the previous 12 months. A certificate of veterinary inspection, issued within the previous 30 days, also must accompany these animals.