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New Mexico TB Status Downgraded

published: September 12th 2008
source: APHIS

WASHINGTON, Sept. 11, 2008--The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal
and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is reclassifying New Mexico
as modified accredited advanced for bovine tuberculosis (TB).

Although this action is consistent with the reclassification of other
accredited-free states with two or more TB-affected herds during a 48
month period, intact heifers still can be shipped interstate if moved
directly to a feedlot or in feeder channels.   Also, the movement of
spayed heifers and steers, cattle from a TB-accredited free herd and
cattle or bison less than 6 months of age, can continue.

APHIS is working closely with New Mexico animal health officials to
conduct a comprehensive risk assessment to further examine the state's
TB status.  APHIS will evaluate thoroughly and consider all scientific
information collected during the assessment.  This information will be
used when deciding any future actions that should be taken in New
Mexico, which could result in less restrictive measures.  

New Mexico officials took immediate action to stop the spread of the
disease and have worked cooperatively with APHIS to maintain normal
movement of cattle while taking appropriate steps to stop the spread of
TB.  APHIS will continue to work closely with the State to further test
for TB and revise the restrictions as necessary.

APHIS had divided the state of New Mexico into two zones for the purpose
of TB status classification, with an accredited-free zone and a modified
accredited advanced zone.  In April 2007, New Mexico officials confirmed
an affected dairy herd in the accredited-free zone during an
epidemiological investigation of a TB-positive cow found through
slaughter surveillance.  Recently, a second affected herd was identified
in the same zone.  The finding of the second affected herd within a
48-month period means that the zone no longer meets the requirements for
accredited-free status. 

Bovine TB is a contagious and infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium
bovis.  It affects cattle, bison, deer, elk, goats and other
warm-blooded species and can be fatal.  The disease can be transmitted
to humans through direct contact with infected animals or consumption of
raw milk.  It is not transmitted through consumption of pasteurized
milk.  If a producer suspects TB in their herd, they should isolate the
animal immediately and contact their veterinarian for a proper
diagnosis.

Notice of this interim rule is published in the Sept. 11 Federal
Register and becomes effective upon publication.