Workshops

Information & Presentaions

Home

Frequently Asked Questions for Goats and TB

Have TB positive goats been found in MN?

No.

Why do I have to test my goats for TB?

Several cattle herds in northwest Minnesota have tested positive for bovine TB, resulting in a downgrade of Minnesota’s TB status to Modified Accredited. This change in status has led to more restrictive interstate TB testing requirements for cattle and bison. Some states are requiring that additional species, such as goats and llamas, also meet federal testing requirements.

Who can test my goats for TB?

Testing goats for tuberculosis can be done by any certified accredited veterinarian.

How is the TB test done?

TB testing involves 2 steps: 1) A small volume of tuberculin is injected intra-dermally into the caudal tail fold (CFT = Caudal Fold Test), which is in the hairless region found under the goat’s tail. This area is used because any swelling or color change can be easily seen. 2)  The test is read 72 hours (+/- 6hrs) later.

The veterinarian that injected the tuberculin must read the test. This is important to remember—if you are going to a show or sale, don’t have your local vet inject the tuberculin and expect another veterinarian to read the test.

What does a reaction at the injection site mean?

Any injection site reaction at all, whether it is a swelling or reddening of the skin is considered a “responder.” The veterinarian that makes this decision is required to contact a state or federal veterinarian, who will come, usually within 24-48 hours, and perform a second test. This test is done on the side of the neck, and is called the Comparative Cervical Test (CCT). The reason it is called a “comparative” test is because two injections are given into the skin in a shaved area, one containing avian (bird) tuberculin and one containing bovine tuberculin. The sites are measured for swelling three days later, plotted on a graph, and compared. The results of this test will classify the tested animal as “Negative,” “Suspect,” or “Reactor.” If the animal is negative, no further testing is needed. If the animal is classified as a suspect or reactor, the herd is quarantined and the animal is re-tested in 60 days or necropsied for conclusive testing.

Why are there false positive CFT TB test results?

The CFT is a screening test and 1-5% of animals tested will have a reaction. Very few of these animals will be positive on the more specific CCT.

I am going to a sale/show. When should I test my goats?

Contact your veterinarian and schedule your testing so you will have time before the sale or show in the event that the CFT is positive and a CCT must be done.

I want to take my goats to a show/sale in another state.  Where can I find that state’s import requirements?

Producers looking to verify state import requirements should contact the state they are planning to ship animals to for the latest information on testing requirements. A list of state animal health agencies is available on Minnesota’s bovine TB website at www.mntbfree.com in the newsroom.