Bovine TB buyout program will remove 6,800 cattle
by The Associated Press
 
ST. PAUL -- The state Board of Animal Health says 6,800 cattle will be slaughtered or removed from a region in northwest Minnesota that has been infected with bovine tuberculosis.

The agency says it received 45 buyout contracts from cattle producers who will get $500 per animal to slaughter their herd, plus $75 annually for each animal until the area regains its TB-free status.

The cattle must be slaughtered or removed from the area by January 31. Those that are removed must meet specific testing requirements.

Assistant Agriculture Commissioner Joe Martin says the buyout is a ``significant step'' toward eradicating bovine TB from the area. But he also says it's ``bittersweet'' as some producers might not continue in the cattle business.