Posted Jan. 19, 2008

The cattle tuberculosis (TB) situation in New Mexico continues to be on the forefront for the New Mexico Livestock Board along with the New Mexico dairy and beef industries. New Mexico is cattle TB-free, with the exception of portions of Roosevelt and Curry counties, on the eastern border of the state. Portions of these two counties comprise a modified accredited-advanced zone for TB eradication.

In Curry County, a TB-infected dairy was detected in 2007 and the herd of about 11,500 head was depopulated.  All dairies and beef herds with any association with this TB-infected Curry County dairy have been tested, and no positive cows were detected.  Additionally, within New Mexico's modified accredited-advanced zone in New Mexico, all but one dairy has undergone annual retesting.  The remaining dairy is being retested now.

A TB-infected cow from an Eddy County dairy (in southeastern New Mexico) was detected at slaughter in February 2007. The herd was tested in spring 2007, with no additional TB-positive animals detected. The herd was re-tested in December 2007.  The herd continues to be monitored.

Seven cattle herds in New Mexico have been designated as potentially at high risk for cattle TB. Three of seven herds
have been tested with no TB diagnosed. The remaining four herds will be tested in the near future.

In all, about 35,000 head of cattle have been TB tested in Eastern NM since July 2007, with no positive cases.

In association with surrounding states, New Mexico has tightened regulations regarding TB. As of January 1, 2008, intact dairy cattle four months of age and older are must have a negative TB test prior to receiving a New Mexico entry permit.

As previously required, beef bulls older than twelve months must have a negative TB test prior to receiving a permit to enter New Mexico.

All breeding cattle entering New Mexico also must have individual, USDA-approved identification, which must be recorded on the certificate of veterinary inspection.