LAKEWOOD, Colo. – Confirmatory tests show four cows in a
Colorado dairy herd have tested positive for bovine tuberculosis
(TB). The ongoing investigation by the Colorado Department of
Agriculture and the United States Department of Agriculture
began in March 2010 when internal lesions were discovered on a
Southern Colorado cow at a slaughter facility. Subsequent
tracing and testing has led to the discovery of the additional
positive cattle. Bovine tuberculosis causes internal lesions in
infected animals. It is spread primarily by respiratory aerosols
being exhaled by infected animals and can then be inhaled by
animals or humans. Meat from the infected animals did not enter
the food chain; commercially sold milk is pasteurized, killing
bacteria with heat, so there is no public health concern when
consuming pasteurized dairy products. Livestock owners with
questions can contact the State Veterinarian’s Office at (303)
239-4161. For additional information on bovine TB, visit
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/publication