By The Canadian Press

Research into Bovine Tuberculosis – new testing and possible link to salt block transference

Apr 28, 2017 | 4:29 PM

NEW MEXICO AND MICHIGAN – Researchers say they are developing a test for bovine tuberculosis they hope could someday spare ranchers and governments from costly quarantines and mass slaughters of cattle.

Scientists at the Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico say they have made a breakthrough that could lead to a quick blood test for the infectious disease.

Researcher Harshini Mukundan (moh-koo-dan) says they came up with the idea after speaking with local ranchers.

The research involves adapting a test used to detect T-B in people so that it can work on cattle and other animals.

The study was published this month in the journal Analytical Sciences.

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The plan is to build on lab results by working with the U-S Department of Agriculture to evaluate the test on animals in the field.

The main way investigators now look for T-B hasn’t changed much in years and involves a skin reaction test that can take a long time and be hard to detect.

The new research comes as 44 ranches remain quarantined in Alberta and Saskatchewan after six animals tested positive for T-B last fall.

Countries strive to prevent T-B to ensure a major outbreak does not affect the beef trade.

Possible Salt Block transference

A new study suggests salt blocks shared by cows and deer are sites for transferring diseases like tuberculosis.

Michigan University’s Diagnostic Center for Population and Animal Health conducted the experiment that has garnered worldwide attention.

The study used paintbrushes to cover salt blocks with Mycobacterium bovis, the organism that causes tuberculosis.

They found the organism can survive on salt alone for over two days in chilly, winter conditions. In warmer conditions, they survived for almost 24 hours.

To mitigate tuberculosis outbreaks, farmers should have secure fences to keep deer from mingling with cattle