Web Site for the Official Student Newspaper of Normandale Community College in Bloomington, Minnesota Bovine Tb outbreak prompts deer shooting By Marshall Andersen On February 20, six sharpshooters with the U.S. Department of Agriculture began to shoot deer suspected of being infected with bovine Tb. The killings are part of an effort to stop the spread of the disease to Minnesota cattle. Sharpshooters are stationed in a 135 square mile area east of Thief Lake, where an outbreak of bovine Tb has infected both domestic cattle and wild deer. According to the Star Tribune, the outbreak, which began in 2005, is a nightmare for the state cattle industry, which is worth almost $1 billion. So far, there have been seven infected herds destroyed, with multiple deer diagnosed with the disease. According to the USDA, bovine Tb is found primarily in cattle, but has also been found in deer and elk, bison, and goats. Because the lungs are usually affected, the animal may display symptoms such as coughing or difficulty in breathing. However, Tb lesions may be found in any organ or body cavity of diseased creatures. It can affect any warm-blooded animal, including humans. While rare, humans can contract the disease by drinking unpasteurized milk from infected cows or by consuming raw or undercooked meat of infected animals. The possibility of the disease spreading is something that the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) fears. This is why the DNR has decided to go ahead with the killings now, rather than wait until next fall when hunting season opens. In an interview conducted earlier this month by the Star Tribune, DNR wildlife health program coordinator Michelle Powell claimed, “We could be looking at a much larger infected area if we wait that long. It’s a big risk. It would be extremely unfortunate and extremely expensive if it spread. We have a chance now to do something.” In the two weeks that have followed since the interview, there have been 151 deer killed, DNR has reported. It seems like the opportunity of killing more of the diseased deer has slipped through their fingers, as certain landowners would not allow the sharp shooters onto their land. According to Powell, most of the land owners would rather take care of the deer on their own terms, with their own guns. The weather has put another strain on the mission, as over a foot of snow within the last 2 weeks has made it impossible for the teams of sharpshooters to do their job. The shootings will continue throughout the spring, with hope that the weather will cooperate. Out of the 151 killed deer, only two of them have shown signs of the disease. The bodies have been sent to labs for testing. The venison that is not infected with bovine Tb is being given out to people that want it. Powell could not be reached for comment, but in her Star Tribune interview, she said, “The first week most of (the venison) went to the Laotian community in Warroad. This week they all went locally.” The DNR has a list of people from all over the state that claim they want the venison. To be put on the list, call the Thief Lake Wildlife Management Area at (218) 222-3747.