Bovine TB detected in California herd

From TSCRA Press Release

A detection of Bovine Tuberculosis (TB) has occurred at a dairy in Fresno County. State and federal animal health officials are working closely with the dairy farmer and his veterinarians to implement control strategies to eradicate the disease.

The diagnosis of TB was made after a cow with suspicious lesions was found during routine slaughter inspection. California Department of Food and Agriculture and USDA veterinarians completed tests on some herds that may have been exposed based on animal tracing records and determined that, to date, TB is present in just one herd. Read more on the TSCRA Web site.

Texas achieves cattle brucellosis-free status

From TSCRA Press Release

Texas beef and dairy cattle producers, cattle feeders and markets operators achieved a long-sought victory Friday, Feb. 1, when the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that Texas has achieved cattle brucellosis-free status.

For nearly 50 years, Texas cattle producers battled brucellosis, or "Bangs Disease", the bacterial disease that is caused by Brucella abortus.  The disease can cause cows to abort, deliver weak calves or produce less milk.

Cattle brucellosis is a zoonotic disease (can be spread from animals to humans) that caused significant human disease incidence until the eradication program reduced the incidence of the disease in cattle, and, sanitary practices and pasteurization procedures for milk were implemented to reduce transmission to humans. Read more on the TSCRA Web site

Gov. Perry issues disaster proclamation due to threat of wildfires

From TSCRA Press Release

Gov. Rick Perry issued a state disaster proclamation Wednesday for 152 counties in response to the threat posed by wildfires rapidly spreading in areas across the state. Burn bans are already in place in these Texas counties.

This disaster proclamation allows affected counties to be eligible for state assistance.

"I urge Texans to exercise extreme caution as conditions remain favorable for the development of wildfires across the state," said Gov. Perry. "Vigilance and good judgment are key to ensuring Texans' families, homes and places of work remain safe." Read more on the TSCRA Web site.