USDA Downgrades New Mexico's Bovine TB-Free Status

Posted by Brian Gould Sun, 14 Sep 2008 13:57:00 GMT

New Mexico has lost its status as a bovine tuberculosis-free state, a decision state officials say is excessive and could cost ranching and dairy operations unnecessary tests.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture, in a notice published in Thursday’s Federal Register, said that because two infected herds had been found in New Mexico’s accredited free-zone since May 2007, it no longer met federal requirements and the state had to be downgraded.