News Update

News Update
Jan. 23, 2008

Another Minnesota Herd Tests Positive for TB

The Minnesota Board of Animal Health announced Jan. 22 that a Roseau County beef cattle herd tested positive for bovine tuberculosis (TB).

The newly detected Roseau herd tested negative in 2005 and 2006, but during a third, follow-up round of testing in November, one animal tested suspect for bovine TB. Tissue samples were collected and submitted to the National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL) in Ames, Iowa, where a diagnosis of bovine TB was confirmed late last week. Minnesota has now detected bovine TB in nine beef herds.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has begun the indemnification process, which consists of appraising the herd so that it can be purchased from the producers and put down.

At this time, Minnesota’s Modified Accredited Advanced TB status will remain unchanged. Minnesota Board of Animal Health Executive Director and State Veterinarian Bill Hartmann said that work will continue unabated to return the state to TB-Free status. However, the discovery of any additional herds could result in the downgrading of Minnesota’s status.

“We are discussing with industry representatives and USDA what to do if additional herds are found,” Hartmann said. “And we are reviewing all options including split state status. It is important that we gather all the necessary information from USDA, and we have to fully comprehend the needs of the industry statewide. At that time we would be able to address the best way to regain TB-Free status. Either way, we remain committed to working with all of our partners to eliminate this disease.”

In all, approximately 347,000 TB tests have been performed since the disease was discovered in Minnesota in July 2005. Michelle Carstensen, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) wildlife health program coordinator, said complete test results will be available within the next several weeks.

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 1-877-MN TB FREE (668-2373).

— Release provided by the Minnesota Board of Animal Health.

Hebbert Named Nebraska Angus Association Secretary/Manager

Suzy Hebbert, Ashby, Neb., has been hired by the Nebraska Angus Association as its secretary/manager. Hebbert will serve as the editor of the Nebraska Angus News and the annual membership directory. Her duties officially began Jan. 1.

Hebbert will manage and travel to many of the Association’s events throughout the state. She will conduct the financial business of the organization and assist the board of directors in developing a long-term plan of action and membership drive.

— Release provided by the American Angus Association.

Russia Raises 2008 Quotas for U.S. Meat

Russia has raised its quotas for U.S. poultry, pork and frozen beef imports for 2008, Meatingplace.com reported today.

The quota for U.S. frozen beef was raised from 18,100 metric tons to 18,300 metric tons. According to the news service, Russia also lowered duties on beef imports and raised them on imports of pork and poultry above the tariff-rate quota.

USDA Breaks Ground on New Plant Inspection Facility

The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) today broke ground for the construction of its new 45,000-square-foot (sq. ft.) plant inspection facility.

At this new location, APHIS inspectors will inspect, process and certify the ever-growing number of imported plants arriving in Miami — the nation’s busiest port of entry for propagative plants.

Construction of the $25 million facility is part of USDA’s role in protecting American agriculture from harmful pests and diseases that can be imported into the U.S. with the plants.

In 2007, the Miami Inspection Station agricultural specialists intercepted 1,607 exotic plant pests and identified more than 28,000 plant pests overall.

Construction of the new inspection station should take approximately 18 months.

— compiled by Crystal Albers, associate editor, Angus Productions Inc.