Eradication of tuberculosis from an extensively managed beef herd

Eradication of tuberculosis from a herd of 5,000 head of beef cattle with a long history of infection was achieved in a 5-year period using the single caudal fold tuberculin test in conjunction with segregation of breeders of different ages and selective slaughter of problem groups. The major problem which had to be overcome to achieve eradication was the occurrence of anergic tuberculous animals. All animals in the group were slaughtered when it was apparent testing was not successful. Testing was very effective in eliminating TB from cattle under the age of two years. Incomplete musters and breakdown of segregation caused reinfection of clean groups in the early stages.