NMPF and NCBA Send Joint Letter to USDA Highlighting Need to Update National TB Eradication Efforts
In a document dated November 11, 2008, NMPF and the National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA) urged Secretary Ed Schafer to consider improving outdated methods that are currently used to test for bovine TB in the U.S. With multiple cases of bovine TB currently identified in different regions across the country, USDA and the livestock industry should deal with issues related to surveillance, control, eradication, and prevention of this disease in the nation's cattle population. The full letter is available here.
NMPF Submits Comments to USDA on Proposed TB Program Changes
On September 22, 2008, NMPF sent a letter to USDA articulating support for efforts to maintain the effectiveness of the Cooperative State-Federal Tuberculosis Eradication Program. USDA had proposed changes to the program, and while the letter expressed NMPF's dedication to
strengthening the program, it also asked USDA for clarification on a few points regarding the proposed changes. The full letter is available here.
Situation in Michigan
In 1975 and 1994, bovine TB was discovered in white-tailed deer in the NE corner of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. It was decided by state and federal regulatory officials to test cattle and deer in the areas where the infected deer were found. In June 1998, bovine TB was diagnosed in a beef cow in Alpena County. Since then, the disease has been diagnosed in multiple beef and dairy herds in northern lower Michigan, and in numerous privately-owned wild deer and wild carnivores. As a result, a statewide effort was initiated to eradicate bovine TB in livestock and a statewide livestock surveillance program was undertaken.
As a result of the recognized need to initiate and conduct an eradication program, the Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) began testing in the 5-county area in 1995. Statewide testing began on June 22, 2000, after USDA changed Michigan’s TB status to "Modified Accredited."
All Michigan dairies were tested for bovine TB by the end of June 2001 because of the Pasteurized Milk Ordinance (PMO). An amendment to the PMO was signed in the summer of 2001. The administrative Memo of Understanding between MDA and USDA was also signed that summer. The Cooperative Agreement was signed in September 2001, allocating funds for the electronic identification program.
Definition
Bovine tuberculosis is a respiratory disease that cattle can contract, along with other domesticated and wild livestock. While it has largely been eradicated from U.S. dairy and beef herds, sporadic outbreaks sometimes occur.
