Bovine TB Update

House approves plan to fight bovine TB in NW Minn.

Associated Press
Last update: April 17, 2008 - 5:13 PM

ST. PAUL - A plan to slaughter cattle herds, put up fences and collect money to fight bovine tuberculosis in northwestern Minnesota has passed the state House unanimously.

The bill from Representative Dave Olin (OH'-lin) sailed through on a vote of 131-0 after he warned about the effect on the entire state's cattle industry.

Minnesota's bovine TB status has been downgraded because of the outbreak, creating expensive testing requirements for ranchers and farmers.

Olin says the outbreak must be dealt with fast and effectively.

His bill would pay cattle owners $500 per head to slaughter their herds, plus annual payments until a zone in northwestern Minnesota is declared free of bovine TB.

The bill now heads to the Senate.