08/29/08 Testing for bovine tb, part 2

Its been a major undertaking and the job has fallen in the lap of the Idaho State Department of Agriculture to test between 30 and 35 thousand cows for bovine tuberculosis. Since 2003 Idaho imported a little over one thousand dairy bulls from a California facility where the TB was found. State veterinarian Dr Bill Barton says about 12 to 14 thousand cows have been tested so far, all with negative results. BARTON "We inject a very small amount of tuberculin actually into the skin, the dermis, on one of the little caudal folds which come off the base of the tail. That injection has to be inspected 72 hours later for a response. If we get any kind of thickening of the skin or a lump or any kind of a response we consider that animal a responder." Barton says they have two options after that. Another skin test can be administered but the competitive cervical test also requires another 72 hour waiting period. Barton opted for quicker method, a blood sample which can be send it in for immediate testing and can determine if any bovine TB is present. There's still a lot of testing to be done. BARTON "I would hope to be done somewhere by the end of October but depending on what else comes up that may or may not be feasible." . Today's Idaho Ag News Bill Scott