Quarantine lifted for Moses Lake dairy

Note: An earlier posting of this story indicated in the fifth paragraph that 11 cows had tested positive for bovine TB. They tested negative. We apologize for the error. – CBH staff

MOSES LAKE - A quarantine on the Juergens Brothers Dairy in Moses Lake was lifted Wednesday after no additional cases of bovine tuberculosis were found during an investigation, according to the state Department of Agriculture.

The dairy has been under quarantine since Jan. 17, after the state was notified a cow the dairy sent to a stockyard was confirmed to be infected with TB.

State Veterinarian Dr. Leonard Eldridge determined the quarantine could be lifted after two rounds of testing uncovered no additional cases.

"Despite the enormous economic impact this quarantine has had on Juergens Brothers Dairy, the owners have cooperated throughout this critical investigation, making it possible to ensure the safety of all the state's livestock," Eldridge said. "Our testing confirms that their herd is safe and they can return to normal business operations."

An initial screening identified 11 cows as possibly infected, according to reports. Samples tested by the National Veterinary Services Laboratory in Iowa confirmed the cows tested negative for bovine TB. An additional cow was tested in a second round of tests, but was confirmed negative at slaughter.

The dairy was compensated for the 12 cows tested in the investigation.

According to the state, bovine TB has not been seen in the state's cattle since 1988. Bovine TB is contagious among cattle and can cause severe coughing, fatigue and emaciation.

Employees with the state agency will return to the Moses Lake dairy next year for a follow-up round of testing.