Abroad too the push is on for many countries who strive for TB free status, seemingly at any cost. Most of these countries completely de-populate herds found to have any evidence of bTB. Northern Minnesota is one example. The state was split as only part had TB free status - not a popular decision. Northern Minnesota is expected to receive this coveted title after being moved to Modified Accredited Advanced status this year (2010). The changes bring the state one step closer to being entirely TB-Free. For the farmers involved, it is a very hard, long and stressful process. This is the story of just one of those farmers involved.

For one farmer, Skime, it has been a very difficult process. His cull cow was the first to have a suspect test for bovine TB at a Green Bay, Wis., packing plant in 2005. His entire herd was tested and another 22 animals tested suspect for the disease. Skime, an Arctic Cat engineer in Thief River Falls, was visited by Hartmann and USDA area veterinarian Mike Stine to discuss the test results. They said it would be best to depopulate the herd. He said 'no'.

"There had to be another way, I told them," Skime said. "I had developed that herd since 1981. I knew each sire and dam and how they were producing". His detailed records included breeding, herd health and index information. His Tarentaise and Angus cattle produced quality meat.

Skime proposed killing only suspect cows, but the veterinarians explained the state could lose its TB-Free status. Obviously that would not be popular with other cattlemen and the disease could persist.He knew his only option was to send the animals to slaughter. More bad luck arrived — his cattle had also contracted anthrax while on pasture. His herd had to be vaccinated against the disease while shipping arrangements were made.

In September 2005, the ranch's yard was filled with cattle trucks, workers and state agency representatives. A lone cowboy chose to gather the cattle one last time. Skime moved through the pastures, heading the cattle to the yard. There others helped load cattle on the trucks as BAH and USDA officials sealed the loads. They shipped 1,172 animals including 600 cows.

The ranch, once filled with people and trucks, was empty when the last truck rolled away. Skime and his wife, Bernice, stood alone and he cried.

Another 11 herds were depopulated in an area called the Management Zone. The 12 herds received federal indemnity money. In the Modified Accredited Status Zone, 46 out of 67 herds were depopulated using state funding. One of those producers who depopulated was Tim Schultz, who now works for the BAH as an ag specialist. He is part of the testing team working with herds in the area.

Skime followed state and federal requirements to repopulate his ranch. All manure was cleaned from the barns. He disinfected barns, feeders and waterers. And, after 30 days, he started to rebuild the herd.Like others, he's followed guidelines for fencing around feed storage and feeding areas. He has high fencing around pastures to keep deer away. Skime has developed new protocols. Cattle brought to the ranch must have a negative TB test, he said. Skime doesn't sell cattle to neighbours or other cattle producers.

Skime continues his breeding program with Tarentaise and Angus. And he has a new herdsman, Thor Vettleson. Vettleson began working for Skime three years ago. He has a degree in animal science from the University of Minnesota Crookston. Ironically one of his research papers at Crookston focussed on bovine TB. He's learned more about the disease from Skime.

Bill Hartmann, Minnesota Board of Animal Health executive director and state veterinarian recalls the public meetings where the split state status for Minnesota was first discussed. The discussions were filled with emotion. "Some of the things weren't reversible," Hartmann said. "But I think the people have been willing to make those sacrifices. It's been a long battle. It's been five years and we are now seeing success." One wonders, though for how long and at what price for those involved?

With thanks to Carol Stender for her story in AgriNews (10/7/10) at http://www.agrinews.com/beef/producer/skime/rebounds/from/herd/depopulation/story-2961.html