Wisconsin DATCP Confirms Bovine Tuberculosis in Dane County Dairy Herd

Volume 30 | November 5, 2018

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) confirms that a Wisconsin dairy herd in Dane County has tested positive for bovine tuberculosis (TB). Meat inspectors identified a carcass during a routine slaughter inspection and sent a sample to the National Veterinary Services Laboratory for testing. Through animal identification records, the carcass was traced back to a herd in Dane County that DATCP immediately quarantined.

A quarantine prevents any animals from moving on or off of the farm.

“We are working closely with the herd owner, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Department of Health Services, area veterinarians, industry partners, and other herd owners. We are taking aggressive measures to control and prevent the spread of this disease,” said Dr. Darlene Konkle, DATCP’s acting State Veterinarian. “Our staff and partners train for these types of responses and are taking the necessary steps to protect animal and human health.”

FAQS ON INVESTIGATION

WLIC Introduces TSU Technology to DNA Program

WLIC would like to announce some changes to our DNA program to better enhance results at the Exhibitor and County level. As the agriculture industry moves forward with new, efficient technology, we too are following suit and revamping our DNA program. In 2019 we will be processing tissue DNA samples instead of hair cards. Reasons for this decision include limited hair processing labs, insufficient samples from exhibitors, and inaccurate reads.

By processing tissue samples, WLIC is able to find labs to process the DNA more readily and get a more accurate read from a more consistent sample. The tissue sample applicator makes tissue collection quick and easy for all exhibitors, similar to an ear-tagger. The applicator collects a sample of tissue smaller than a hole-punch and provides a less-stress experience for livestock.

For more information on TSU technology please visit the AllFlex website here.

WI-Origin Tags Available Online!

WLIC is selling Wisconsin-branded tags, as well as readers and taggers on our website in the online store!

The WLIC online store gives producers several options for purchasing the WI-Origin™ tags, including choice of style, color, and price. Other preferences include a selection of both RFID (radio frequency identification), or non-RFID tags.

WLIC is competitively priced and all proceeds will be used to fund our programs and services. In addition, Allflex, USA, provides WLIC with a 10-cent rebate for every Wisconsin-branded tag sold.

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Research carried out at the Roslin Institute, which is part of the College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine at the University of Edinburgh, found pigs did not become infected with Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome when they removed part of the animal’s deoxyribonucleic acid – DNA. And what’s more, the animals showed no signs that the change in their DNA had any other impact on their health or wellbeing.

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