The second case of bovine tuberculosis in feral animals was confirmed in a dairy cow in Southland this month.

According to Mike O’Brien, there isn’t necessarily a connection between the two animals, and that the discovery of the second one was nothing more than a coincidence. He said that since it was the end of milking season, more animals were being tested so it only made sense that there would be more positive results for the disease.

Dr. Stu Hutchings of the Animal Health Board said that early tests didn’t connect the two infections with the movement of livestock.

“Until we eradicate the disease, however, the region’s cattle and deer will remain susceptible to TB-infected wild animals, such as possums and ferrets, which spread the disease”, said Dr. Hutchings. “We realize a positive TB test can place herd owners under significant emotional and financial strain. The AHB is undertaking a thorough investigation into this recent case to put neighboring herd owners’ minds at ease”.

In the early part of 2009, TB was officially said to be eradicated from deer and cattle in Southland, but the disease was discovered 12 months ago in a cow originally from the West Coast.