Walberg Expresses Disappointment Michigan's Cattle Industry Cannot Receive TB-Free Status in 2007

Op-Ed

WALBERG EXPRESSES DISAPPOINTMENT MICHIGAN'S CATTLE INDUSTRY CANNOT RECEIVE TB-FREE STATUS IN 2007

By: Rep. Walberg

U.S. Congressman Tim Walberg (R-MI) today issued the following statement expressing disappointment that Michigan's cattle industry will not receive TB-Free status until at least October 2008.

"It is vital to Michigan's agriculture industry that our state's cattle industry regain TB-Free status," Walberg said. "This is a serious problem that dates back to the 1990's, and it is time for Michigan to remedy this situation. This problem will require a variety of state and federal groups working together, and I am pleased that recently a coordinated effort between the USDA and the Michigan Department of Agriculture to eradicate this problem has begun. As the only Michigan member on the House Agriculture Committee, I pledge to do all I can to ensure Michigan regains TB-Free status in 2008."

"I appreciate Congressman Walberg's leadership and willingness to help Michigan reach TB-Free status," said Monte Bordner, Chairman of the Michigan TB Advisory Committee. "Although the recent review of the TB program identified deficiencies that will need to be corrected immediately, the Cattle Industry in Michigan has made significant progress in the battle to regain TB free status. The Upper Peninsula has regained TB free status, and we have implemented the mandatory RFID requirement that will expedite the surveillance testing and tracking as we go forward. At this point we need all of the stakeholders MDA, USDA and MDNR to step up and focus on eradication of Bovine TB."

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