North Dakota lifts TB testing requirements for most Minnesota cattle. Beef cattle moving into North Dakota no longer need TB test; dairy cattle requirement for all states still in place
From the Board of Animal Health (BAH):
ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota producers moving beef cattle, goats, and camelids into North Dakota will have less TB-testing requirements effective immediately. North Dakota’s Board of Animal Health removed its TB testing requirement for most cattle crossing state lines on June 23 at a quarterly board meeting.
“We want to thank the North Dakota Board of Animal Health for acknowledging Minnesota’s TB eradication efforts which was shown by their recent decision to lift test restrictions on the majority of Minnesota cattle entering their state,” said Minnesota Bovine TB Coordinator Joe Martin. “In conversations with the Board, we reiterated that it’s in everyone’s best interest that Minnesota continues to be vigilant in deer surveillance
and testing and controlling the movement of cattle in our disease management area.”
Beef cattle producers in Minnesota’s Modified Accredited Advanced Zone will no longer need to TB test their cattle herds prior to moving animals into the neighboring state. Dairy animals will still need a TB test for importation, a requirement North Dakota has in place for all states. Requirements for animals from the Modified Accredited (MA) Zone in northwestern Minnesota remain in effect.
“This decision will have an immediate market impact in terms of opening new opportunities for Minnesota cattle producers to market cattle at North Dakota sale locations and private treaty sales without onerous test requirements,” said Martin.
The State of North Dakota will continue to require a certificate of veterinary inspection, an import permit number and official identification for animals from Minnesota. North Dakota State Veterinarian Dr. Susan Keller urges producers importing animals into their state to call 701-328- 2655 for detailed importation requirements.
This announcement is another step in the State’s proactive efforts to eradicate bovine tuberculosis, which include increased livestock testing, tightened restrictions on animal movement, fencing assistance and optional herd “buy-outs” for livestock producers. As a result, Minnesota has achieved split-state status and continues to see solid progress in livestock production.
For additional information on Minnesota’s bovine TB response, please call the hotline at 1.877.MN TB FREE (668.2373) or visit www.mntbfree.com.