Source:  Tom Johnston, MEATINGPLACE.COM, 4/19/10

USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has issued a federal order modifying certain elements of its bovine tuberculosis (TB) eradication program to better reflect the circumstances and needs of today's beef producers by allowing easier interstate shipment of cattle.

"The bovine tuberculosis program has been very successful at reducing the disease in this country," said John Clifford, chief veterinary officer for APHIS, in a news release. "The program's regulations have been effective when the disease was widespread. But today, the disease is mostly eliminated, except for sporadic outbreaks. There's no longer a good reason for certain movement restrictions on animals unaffected by the disease, just because TB has been found elsewhere in the state. We are updating the TB program to reflect today's reality."

Specifically, the federal order:

• Ends the automatic downgrade of an accredited free state or zone to a modified accredited advanced state or zone when TB-affected herds are found, as long as the state meets certain criteria for preventing the spread of the disease
• Ends movement restrictions for cattle and bison that are not known to be infected with or exposed to TB from modified accredited advanced states or zones, as long as the state meets certain criteria for preventing the spread of the disease
• Provides for increased surveillance in part or all of a state or zone and/or movement restrictions as required by the APHIS Administrator to address risks from TB in wildlife or under other circumstances to prevent the spread of TB.

The order is effective for two years beginning April 15, unless extended by APHIS or superseded by revisions to the Code of Federal Regulations.

USDA also plans to make other changes to the TB program, as outlined in a concept paper the agency published in October 2009, and will "continue to engage stakeholders and other interested parties for input."

Since 2002, USDA has spent approximately $90 million on TB control activities and owner indemnification.

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