WSDA Keeping An Eye On Bovine Tuberculosis

The Washington State Department of Agriculture is investigating a possible connection to a case of bovine tuberculosis on an infected dairy herd in New Mexico.

The Washington State Beef Commission reported Friday the animal’s 840 RFID is a Washington tag, but there are no records linking her to the Evergreen state.  This prompted WSDA’s veterinarians to take precautionary measures and identify and test animals from Washington that have been imported into the New Mexico dairy in the last year.

Last TB Outbreak In Washington Reported In 2013

Washington has been bovine tuberculosis-free for decades, and there are no confirmed cases of TB in Washington cattle or wildlife.

The cow’s tags trace back to a single Washington producer, who is fully cooperating with veterinarians to complete the required testing.  The premises is currently under temporary quarantine.  Because the animal’s records are incomplete and may be inaccurate, it is not known if this cow originated in Washington, when it entered the herd, or where it came from.

This Is Not An Outbreak

The Beef Commission stressed this is not an outbreak, adding these precautionary steps are part of WSDA’s routine work to protect animal health and maintain Washington’s TB-free status.

The Commission added It is important to note: 

• This is an animal health issue, not a human health issue.
• There is no risk to the food supply. Meat and milk remain safe, and any animal that tests positive or is found to have lesions will not enter the food chain.
• Washington’s TB-free status remains intact, and WSDA is taking proactive steps to ensure it stays that way.

"Washington producers, veterinarians, and consumers can be confident that WSDA is doing the work needed to protect animal health, safeguard the food supply, and preserve Washington’s TB-free status," the Beef Commission said Friday.

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