INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — Despite any rumors to the contrary, Indiana is not at risk of losing its TB-free status after cattle were exposed to a TB-positive herd in South Dakota recently, according to Denise Derrer, public information director for the Indiana Board of Animal Health.

On Nov. 23, BOAH released information indicating that seven beef animals were transported to five Indiana farms from a TB-infected herd in South Dakota. Shortly after learning this information from the state veterinarian in South Dakota, BOAH officials identified and quarantined all of the herds to which the animals were shipped.

“All seven animals were then sent to the ADDL (Indiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory), euthanized and tissue samples were collected,” said Derrer.

The tissue samples were sent to the USDA’s National Veterinary Services Laboratory in Ames, Iowa for further testing. But according to Derrer, none of the imported animals have been tested positive for the disease thus far. 

“The animals were visually inspected during a necropsy and showed no visible signs of the disease,” she added.

However, until final test results are available, these animals are considered “exposed” to TB. As information develops, BOAH will be notifying herd owners and others who may be impacted by the investigation.

“Indiana will not lose its TB-free status (bovine tuberculosis) because of this incident due to a stipulation in the federal guidelines that if tests are conducted properly and rapid action is taken then there is no threat of losing our status,” said Derrer. “We have had no positive animals so far and even if we did there would be an allowance.”

Additionally, Derrer indicated that BOAH will not impose any change in animal movement or testing requirements as a result of this on-going investigation.

“However, all “exposed” herds will remain under quarantine until complete test results are available,” she said. “All tests are either underway or scheduled. Cattle from the exposed herds will be injected with tuberlin under the skin and 72 hours later our vets will go back and look for a reaction.”

Derrer said that this is a good reminder to remember to take proper biosecurity precautions when moving cattle.

“What’s important is to know herd status when sourcing an animal,” she explained, further adding that all information on the current TB investigation as well as testing requirements is available on the BOAH website at www.boah.in.gov

Indiana has held a bovine tuberculosis-free status since 1984. In 2009, a cervid (mammal of the deer family) herd tested positive for TB, and was ultimately de-popoulated. Prior to the 2009 incident, the last time a Hoosier cattle herd tested positive for the disease was in the 1970s.