Cattle Alert: Tuberculosis herd discovered in Rock County, NEBRASKA 01.jun.09 Cattle Network

LINCOLN -- According to Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) State Veterinarian Dr. Dennis Hughes, NDA and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) veterinarians have discovered a herd of beef cattle in the Rock County area that have tested positive for Tuberculosis (TB). NDA and USDA are currently in the process of working with the producer, who has been cooperating with the two agencies. The herd, which is under quarantine, is undergoing herd testing and an epidemiological investigation. “The testing of these animals will take a significant amount of time,” said Dr. Hughes. “We will be working to determine the source of the infection, and the extent of the spread of the disease. Neighboring premises are being contacted to determine if the disease has spread beyond the original premise.” TB is a slow, progressive disease and is difficult to diagnose in the early stages; however, as the disease progresses, animals can exhibit emaciation, lethargy, weakness, anorexia, low‑grade fever, and pneumonia with a chronic, moist cough. Further information on tuberculosis can be found at www.agr.ne.gov under the Bureau of Animal Industry link.