A plan to eradicate bovine tuberculosis from Minnesota cattle is now law. Speaking at a signing ceremony for the $6.2 million bill, Gov. Tim Pawlenty said the disease is a threat to Minnesota's livestock industry. The plan includes paying ranchers to slaughter their herds and putting up fences to keep deer from spreading the disease. Sen. Rod Skoe, DFL-Clearbrook, said Minnesota is leading the fight against a disease that other states have tried to tackle. The aim is to regain bovine TB-free status for the state's cattle industry. Federal authorities downgraded the rating this year, triggering costly testing requirements for ranchers and farmers. State officials are pushing to limit the downgraded rating to part of northwestern Minnesota.
ASSOCIATED PRESS
