Bovine Tuberculosis
Picture to left of cattle lung damage from Tuberculosis
https://texreg.sos.state.tx.us/public/readtac$ext.ViewTAC?tac_view=5&ti=4&pt=2&ch=43&sch=A&rl=Y
Cattle tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious, chronic, respiratory disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium bovis (M. bovis). TB can affect humans.
Texas has been declared TB Free since around 2006, but constant vigilance is required to keep it that way. The Texas Animal Health Commission has several policies in place to make sure no TB positive animals enter Texas. Texas as set in place some very strict rules with cattle coming in from Mexico, due to number of cattle that were positive in that country.
The biggest risk in getting TB from your cows is through untested cows, from which you are drinking unpasteurized milk. If you are drinking unpasteurized milk consider getting your milk cows tested for peace of mind, but especially if you are selling or gifting such milk to people outside your family.
Legal considerations in Texas
- Texas Administrative Code- includes definitions and more