03/09/07 Cow deaths investigated

Washington Ag March 9, 2007 Washington State Department of Agriculture spokesman Jason Kelly says a preliminary investigation into the deaths of from 50-60 cows at a Stevens County dairy has found no evidence of foreign animal disease or BSE. State Veterinarian Dr. Leonard Eldridge and agriculture investigators visited the farm near Addy where the farmer told investigators the cows have died over the past several months. Kelly says no milk had been sold from the dairy since December and there is no public health threat. Federal officials are helping in the ongoing investigation. Legislation that would that would exempt victims of wire or metal thefts from being held liable for injuries suffered by thieves has been passed by the state House and sent to the Senate. The sponsor of House Bill 1987, Judy Warnick of Moses Lake, said during floor debate that farmers with irrigation systems suggested the legislation. Warnick: "They have been the victim of wire theft, which causes sometimes very dangerous conditions with live electricity and water. They were concerned about their liability if someone should be accidentally injured or even killed." Warnick's bill removes public or private land owners from liability as well as leasers of land. I'm Bob Hoff.