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Infected cattle buyouts

Published (3/21/2008)
By Lee Ann Schutz
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Cattle ranchers in northwestern Minnesota continue their struggle to keep herds from falling victim to bovine tuberculosis, a disease that after a 30-year absence reappeared in the state in 2005.

With four infected herds having been detected since fall, the state is moving quickly with measures to help contain the disease. HF4075, introduced this week, is being fast-tracked, and would place new requirements on ranchers in the infected area and appropriate money for the buyout of herds, if necessary.

Rep. Dave Olin (DFL-Thief River Falls), sponsor of the bill, represents the infected area and the ranchers who are struggling to keep their herds healthy and not fall victim to the disease that is carried by deer. He told the House Agriculture, Rural Economies and Veterans Affairs Finance Division March 19 the measure would provide for a voluntary buyout of the cattle by the Board of Animal Health. The fiscal impact is expected to be available next week when the division decides whether this should be included in its omnibus bill.

Bill Hartmann, executive director, Minnesota Board of Animal Health, said when new cases were found last fall, containment measures were implemented with the Department of Natural Resources fencing off suspect areas.

The state has now seen a downgrade in its TB status, which will curtail the interstate movement of cattle. It will take at least four years for the state to regain the highest status level — TB-free, Hartmann said.

Under Olin’s bill, cattle ranchers with herds in the bovine tuberculosis management zone must comply with new restrictions, which could include fencing or euthanizing the herd. If that is necessary, the ranchers could have their herd bought out by the state.

The companion, SF3728, is sponsored by Sen. Rod Skoe (DFL-Clearbrook) and it awaits action by the Senate Finance Committee.

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