The State Board of Animal Health has ordered additional import restrictions on Mexican-branded (M-branded) cattle and cattle used in rodeo events.

M-branded cattle must be accompanied by proof of two negative bovine tuberculosis tests by USDA-accredited veterinarians with the last test within 60 days prior entering North Dakota. All cattle used for rodeos and timed events, such as team roping events, must have a negative bovine TB test within 12 months prior to importation into North Dakota.

"The board is well aware of the threat of bovine tuberculosis from M-branded cattle, as well as from cattle used in rodeos and timed events that are potentially exposed to M-branded cattle," says State Veterinarian Susan Keller.

All sexually intact cattle of any age, imported from any state, must be officially identified before entering the state. The identification requirements exclude only nursing calves accompanying their dams. Spayed heifers and steers from tuberculosis-free states do not need to have individual identification, but spayed heifers must be accompanied by a veterinarian's statement verifying that they have been spayed.

Keller said the requirements were implemented to protect the health of North Dakota livestock.

"The ability to detect and control diseases such as tuberculosis and brucellosis depends largely on our ability to identify the sources of infected animals," said "The need to identify sexually intact heifers has become more evident as disease investigations indicate feeder heifers may ultimately become bred cows."

Source: North Dakota Department of Agriculture.