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Cattle Health Committee Report
April 9, 2003 

Seminar presentation by Dr. Robert Fourdraine of the Holstein Association and Mr. Kevin Kirk of the Michigan Department of Agriculture on the National Farm Animal Identification and Records and its role in the Michigan TB Eradication Program. The use of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) has helped develop an infrastructure for an efficient reporting system, efficient trace back and trace forward system, and meets the demands of the producer.

Seminar by Dr. John George of USDA, ARS on the Status of Tick Control in the United States. The Southern US is at the greatest risk for tick born diseases, heart water and Babesiosis. Migrating cattle egrets or Mexican feeder cattle can move ticks in to the US, then once in the US could be easily maintained in the white tail deer population. About 64% of the Cattle Fever Ticks are resistant to the coumaphos dip. Mexico has a growing problem with resistance in ticks to organophosphates, pyrethroids and amitraz.  Therefore, it is imperative that exotic ticks are not allowed to enter the US. A new resolution was introduced concerning this problem.

Dr. Robert Meyer, Dr. Chuck Massengill and Dr. John Clifford updated the committee on TB. The depopulation of the large dairy farms in California has been costly.  $11 million for one dairy and $6 million to depopulate another dairy. Michigan is looking at ways to reduce the exposure of cattle to wildlife. The trace backs and trace forwards in TB affected herds, would be greatly improved, and faster if a national animal ID was in place.

Dr. Clifford also spoke on BSE. The US continues to be free. The US will continue to increase surveillance sampling and will adjust policy based on current science.

Dr. Ty Vannieuvenhoven, of Emergency Programs, had a brief update on FMD research.  A PCR test may be ready by June '03.  Antivirals are being developed that would work against all subtypes of FMD virus.

Dr. Ty Vannieuvenhoven also spoke on the National Response Plan. This plan sets or puts into place the agreements needed between states and the different agencies. This is based on the Incident Management System. There are agreements between AAVLD and Veterinary Services to increase the surge capacity for laboratory testing. Twenty‑four technicians have already trained with Foreign Animal Disease Diagnostic Lab to do FMD antigen ELISA testing. There was $0 in the 1998 budget for the National Response Plan. There are $9 million in the 2003 budget for the Emergency Management System.

In attendance

NIAA Members:   

Non-Members: