MDA's Bovine TB Tests Turn Up Two "Responders" in Greg Niewendorp's Herd

The Complete Patient ^ | Oct. 11, 2007 | David E. Gumpert

[davidgumpert]

The Michigan Department of Agriculture inspectors were back at Greg Niewendorp’s Michigan farm this morning to gauge the results of their test for bovine tuberculosis administered Monday, and he says they found two cattle that had positive responses.

[davidgumpert]

The positive test on two of Greg Niewendorp's cattle could be just a "false positive," or it could lead to the destruction of his herd. Either way, it's the persecution he's endured that will keep his case from going away, argues Greg.

[vetvetdoug]

The TB test is administered in the caudal tail fold of the cow and fecal contamination is always a concern. False positives are encountered often...then the confirmatory test is sent off. This guy could sell his cattle for slaughter and thereby circumvent the testing of the cattle...he must be selling the calves across state lines for the requirement of the TB test or has milk cattle that require the TB test every two years. What this guy has endured is SOP and has been for the past forty years with respect to the TB and Brucella requirements. The ID requirements are new.