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Bovine TB identified in 2 Kentucky cattle

By TIM THORNBERRY
Kentucky Correspondent

FRANKFORT, Ky. — In a state that has been bovine tuberculosis (TB)-free for more than 20 years, two confirmed cases have been discovered in Fleming County with a suspected third still under investigation.

State Veterinarian Robert C. Stout made the announcement nearly two weeks ago and said results from the third test could take up to 10 weeks. He also said the herd in which the disease was found has been quarantined.

According to the Center for Food Security and Public Health at Iowa State University (ISU), “bovine tuberculosis is a chronic bacterial disease of cattle that occasionally affects other species of mammals.

This disease is a significant zoonosis that can spread to humans, typically by the inhalation of aerosols or the ingestion of unpasteurized milk.”

Also, in developed countries, eradication programs have reduced or eliminated tuberculosis in cattle, and human disease is now rare; however, reservoirs in wildlife can make complete eradication difficult noted the ISU report.

The finding came at a processing facility in Pennsylvania after a cow from the farm was slaughtered there and tested positive for the disease. Upon testing the rest of the herd, one other case was confirmed with another suspected.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture purchased the two animals and had them slaughtered and necropsies performed, reported the Kentucky Department of Agriculture (KDA.)

Ted Sloan, a KDA spokesperson said it takes time to sort out all the details in such an event.

“It’s very early in the game. The whole process as far as bovine TB is concerned, doing the testing and figuring out how widespread it is or isn’t and mitigating it is a long drawn out process,” he said.
Sloan added that other than the three animals, the remainder of the herd has tested negative. Adjacent herds to the index farm will also be tested as a precaution. Stout said that, in addition, three other herds and farms adjacent to those would be checked, as well.
Sloan noted that the process of looking for any other infected animals is very thorough.

That is important since it can be passed to a herd by infected cattle, cervids (such as deer and elk), swine and humans. It can also be spread through the air, at feed and watering sites or by drinking raw, unpasteurized milk from infected animals, according to the KDA. The risk of exposure is greatest in enclosed areas, such as barns with poor ventilation.

Kentucky has enjoyed a TB-free status from the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) since 1987, something Sloan said he does not expect to change. He also said meat from the slaughtered cow never made it into the food chain.

While the number of cases found throughout the U.S. is small, movement restrictions can affect producers in states where the disease pops up. Last April, APHIS issued a Federal Order modifying certain elements of the bovine TB eradication program to better allow the program to meet the circumstances and needs of today’s producers, according to the USDA.

“The bovine tuberculosis program has been very successful at reducing the disease in this country,” said John Clifford, chief veterinary officer for APHIS. “The program’s regulations have been effective when the disease was widespread. But today, the disease is mostly eliminated, except for sporadic outbreaks. There’s no longer a good reason for certain movement restrictions on animals unaffected by the disease, just because TB has been found elsewhere in the state. We are updating the TB program to reflect today’s reality.”

A press release from APHIS stated that under the order, it will be easier for producers not affected by TB to move their animals across state lines, even if TB is present in their state. Currently, all but four states have bovine TB-free status according to the USDA.
Sloan recommended that producers wishing to move cattle out of the state should contact that state’s veterinarian’s office or the equivalent to make sure there are no restrictions in place or whether further testing is required.

“I’m not aware of any states that have added restrictions like that to Kentucky cattle as a result of this but it’s not uncommon,” he said. “Kentucky does that regarding cattle from states that have active cases whether they are classified as TB-free or not.”
For more information about bovine TB including preventative measures, go to www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/animal_diseases/tuberculosis

6/9/2010