Bovine Tuberculosis - information
Health Concern
Due to the recent outbreak of TB in California there is increased concern on the exposure of animals especially during movement like going to fairs and shows. This is a bio-security risk management concern and can have devastating effects on cattle producers in our county.
The Merced Fair had required TB testing for the dairy Replacement Heifer program animals and recommends other cattle over 6 months be tested before the show.
Testing can be done by a veterinarian, and is a 4 day process. Day one an injection is made at the tail head, four (4) days later it is read for a positive or negative reading for TB.
Contact your local vet for more information on the test.
For other information on TB and the current outbreak see the web links below.
Bio security in California Dairies - http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/ahfss/Animal_Health/pdfs/Biosecurity_and_California_Dairies.pdf
News Release - Additional Bovine Tuberculosis-Affected Herds Detected in California - http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/egov/Press_Releases/Press_Release.asp?PRnum=08-044
California Cattle Producer Update – June 24, 2008 - http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/ahfss/Animal_Health/pdfs/Bovine_TB_Producer_Update_062408.pdf
New 4-H Bio-Security Project - 2008
4-H has a new curriculum on bio-security and looking at risk management with animals. Five Merced County 4-H clubs piloted the materials last fall. They recommend it for all 4-H animal projects as a part of their project meetings. Contact the 4-h for more information on how to use these materials as you start projects this fall.