Iowa’s Secretary of Agriculture is reminding animal producers about on updated restrictions on cattle moving into the state from Minnesota following the discovery of more herds in northern Minnesota with tuberculosis (T-B). State veterinarian, David Schmitt, says Iowa has been free of cattle T-B since 1986, and they want to keep it that way.
Schmitt says maintaining that standard involves testing of individual cattle coming into the state, all types of cattle, from those used for exhibiting to those brought in for processing. Dr. Schmitt says T-B can cause a lot of problems.He says it can affect the lymph nodes and respiratory system, and can also spread to deer.
Schmitt says northwest Minnesota is experiencing some of these problems with the disease passing back and forth in the deer population. Schmitt says the disease can be fatal to animals. Right now, state officials are reminding Iowans to be vigilant about the cattle coming in.
Schmitt says they want to be sure that marketers, producers and veterinarians are aware of the state’s importation requirements. He says the southern part of Minnesota — where most of the Iowa trade takes place — hasn’t show any problems with T-B in the testing of its herds. Schmitt says anyone wanting information should call.
Schmitt says you can call his office at 515-281-5305. You can also call the Iowa Department of Agriculture’s Animal Industry Bureau at 515-281-5547.