BOVINE DISEASE TESTING

We are able to perform Tuberculosis testing, Brucellosis testing, Johne’s Disease testing and more.

Bovine Tuberculosis (TB) is spread primarily through the exchange of respiratory secretions between infected and uninfected animals. This transmission usually happens when animals are in close contact with each other. Thus, animal density plays a major factor in the transmission. Bacteria released into the air through coughing and sneezing can spread the disease to uninfected animals. Research suggests that bovine TB can also be contracted from ingesting contaminated feed.

Brucellosis is a highly contagious disease of many animals and is caused by bacteria. Brucellosis most commonly affects cattle. Although infections may occur in other species, including man, such situations are rare. Brucellosis infections are usually transmitted by oral exposure, but susceptible animals can also be infected by contamination of the eyes, wounds and the genital tract. Males can transmit brucellosis during copulation, either by contaminated semen, or by genitals contaminated by an infected female. Edible tissues of infected animals can infect humans and predators.

Johne’s Disease is a contagious, chronic and sometimes fatal infection that affects primarily the small intestine of ruminants. A ruminant is any hooved animal that digests its food in two steps, first by eating the raw material then regurgitating and eating a semi-digested form known as cud. Ruminants include cattle, goats, sheep, camels, llamas, giraffes, bison, buffalo, deer, wildebeest, and antelope. The government often has funds available for assistance with Johne’s Disease testing, ask us how you can enroll in the Johne’s Disease Prevention Program.