Joined Mar 2009
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Edmonton, Alberta CANADA
Tuberculosis Identified on Second Indiana Cervid Farm
INDIANAPOLIS (26 June 2009)—An animal on a second Indiana cervid farm has tested positive for bovine tuberculosis (commonly called “TB,” or more formally known as Mycobacterium bovis). The mature female elk was identified through testing by the Indiana State Board of Animal Health (BOAH) after it was traced from the cervid operation that tested positive for the disease in May. “Cervid” is a category of animals that includes elk and various species of deer.
The latest herd, a multi-species operation in Wayne County, is currently under quarantine until further testing can be completed.
BOAH veterinarians continue to notify owners of animals traced to or from the first (or “index”) cervid herd located in northern Franklin County. Today’s announcement marks the first animal to test positive on another site. Several other herds are currently under quarantine with test results pending.
“The slow-growing nature of tuberculosis makes confirmatory testing a slow process,” explains Indiana State Veterinarian Bret D. Marsh. “As we identify more trace herds, almost daily, we recognize that this is going to be a drawn-out process that will take time. We appreciate the cooperation we’ve received so far from the herd owners.”
Meanwhile, BOAH is collaborating with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and U.S. Department of Agriculture-Wildlife Services to test wildlife in the immediate area around the index farm. BOAH staff is teaming with USDA-Veterinary Services to develop plans to do radius testing of cattle in the region.
Dr. Marsh explains the focus on Franklin County: “Since December, when a TB-positive cow was traced to a local farm, BOAH has been working to identify the source of the disease. While that beef farm is in close proximity to our index cervid herd, no physical link has been established. So, we are going to take a close look at the wildlife in the area.”
“After testing of all the livestock operations adjacent to the beef farm, with no positives, we need to extend that circle to ensure that TB has not spread any farther in the livestock in the community,” Dr. Marsh adds.
Indiana’s TB-free status for cattle has not changed with this latest discovery; nor has BOAH been notified of any interstate movement restrictions being placed on Indiana cattle. The state has held a bovine tuberculosis-free status since 1984 with the USDA. Under federal guidelines, a TB-positive cervid does not affect the status for cattle producers. Before the December 2008 case, the last time a Hoosier herd tested positive for the disease was in the 1970s.
“Closing out this case is not going to be a fast process,” says Dr. Marsh. “I want Hoosier producers to know that BOAH is committed to protecting animal health in this state, based on the best science we have. We have work happening on several fronts—from wildlife surveillance to ongoing traces of animal movements to follow up testing. As we move into the next few weeks, our staff will begin contacting local cattle owners whose herds need to be tested.”
More information about the disease and the investigation, as it develops, will be available on the BOAH website at: http://www.boah.in.gov.
About Bovine TB
Bovine tuberculosis is a chronic bacterial disease that affects primarily cattle, but can be transmitted to any warm-blooded animal. TB is difficult to diagnose through clinical signs alone. In the early stages of the disease, clinical signs are not visible. Later, signs may include: emaciation, lethargy, weakness, anorexia, low-grade fever and pneumonia with a chronic, moist cough. Lymph node enlargement may also be present. Cattle owners who notice these signs in their livestock should contact their private veterinarian.
Denise Derrer
Public Information Director
Indiana State Board of Animal Health
805 Beachway Drive, Ste. 50
Indianapolis, IN 46224-7785
317/227-0308
INDIANAPOLIS (26 June 2009)—An animal on a second Indiana cervid farm has tested positive for bovine tuberculosis (commonly called “TB,” or more formally known as Mycobacterium bovis). The mature female elk was identified through testing by the Indiana State Board of Animal Health (BOAH) after it was traced from the cervid operation that tested positive for the disease in May. “Cervid” is a category of animals that includes elk and various species of deer.
The latest herd, a multi-species operation in Wayne County, is currently under quarantine until further testing can be completed.
BOAH veterinarians continue to notify owners of animals traced to or from the first (or “index”) cervid herd located in northern Franklin County. Today’s announcement marks the first animal to test positive on another site. Several other herds are currently under quarantine with test results pending.
“The slow-growing nature of tuberculosis makes confirmatory testing a slow process,” explains Indiana State Veterinarian Bret D. Marsh. “As we identify more trace herds, almost daily, we recognize that this is going to be a drawn-out process that will take time. We appreciate the cooperation we’ve received so far from the herd owners.”
Meanwhile, BOAH is collaborating with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and U.S. Department of Agriculture-Wildlife Services to test wildlife in the immediate area around the index farm. BOAH staff is teaming with USDA-Veterinary Services to develop plans to do radius testing of cattle in the region.
Dr. Marsh explains the focus on Franklin County: “Since December, when a TB-positive cow was traced to a local farm, BOAH has been working to identify the source of the disease. While that beef farm is in close proximity to our index cervid herd, no physical link has been established. So, we are going to take a close look at the wildlife in the area.”
“After testing of all the livestock operations adjacent to the beef farm, with no positives, we need to extend that circle to ensure that TB has not spread any farther in the livestock in the community,” Dr. Marsh adds.
Indiana’s TB-free status for cattle has not changed with this latest discovery; nor has BOAH been notified of any interstate movement restrictions being placed on Indiana cattle. The state has held a bovine tuberculosis-free status since 1984 with the USDA. Under federal guidelines, a TB-positive cervid does not affect the status for cattle producers. Before the December 2008 case, the last time a Hoosier herd tested positive for the disease was in the 1970s.
“Closing out this case is not going to be a fast process,” says Dr. Marsh. “I want Hoosier producers to know that BOAH is committed to protecting animal health in this state, based on the best science we have. We have work happening on several fronts—from wildlife surveillance to ongoing traces of animal movements to follow up testing. As we move into the next few weeks, our staff will begin contacting local cattle owners whose herds need to be tested.”
More information about the disease and the investigation, as it develops, will be available on the BOAH website at: http://www.boah.in.gov.
About Bovine TB
Bovine tuberculosis is a chronic bacterial disease that affects primarily cattle, but can be transmitted to any warm-blooded animal. TB is difficult to diagnose through clinical signs alone. In the early stages of the disease, clinical signs are not visible. Later, signs may include: emaciation, lethargy, weakness, anorexia, low-grade fever and pneumonia with a chronic, moist cough. Lymph node enlargement may also be present. Cattle owners who notice these signs in their livestock should contact their private veterinarian.
Denise Derrer
Public Information Director
Indiana State Board of Animal Health
805 Beachway Drive, Ste. 50
Indianapolis, IN 46224-7785
317/227-0308
