South Dakota Faces New Cases of Bovine Tuberculosis: A Statewide Traceback Effort Underway
PIERRE, S.D. — In a significant development for South Dakota’s livestock industry, state officials have identified new cases of bovine tuberculosis (TB) as part of an extensive traceback effort initiated after a case emerged in the fall. Notably, South Dakota had not recorded a bovine TB incident since 2021, maintaining a long-standing reputation for disease control in its cattle industry.

South Dakota Animal Industry Board
The unforeseen outbreak was first detected in October when a beef steer tested positive for TB during routine meat inspections at a Wisconsin packing plant. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service’s National Veterinary Services Laboratories in Ames, Iowa, confirmed the case as Mycobacterium bovis on November 5. This diagnosis was a catalyst for immediately linking the infected animal back to a feedlot in Hamlin County, South Dakota.
“We’ve swiftly moved to track and manage the situation,” said Dr. Beth Thompson, South Dakota State Veterinarian. “The infected steer was traced back to a herd in Kingsbury County, where further testing confirmed TB across multiple cows. As a preventive measure, the state veterinarian’s office is working diligently with the USDA and the owner to depopulate the affected herd while tracing any other potentially infected animals sold within the past five years.”
South Dakota, recognized as free of bovine tuberculosis since 1982, prides itself on robust agricultural protocols aimed at maintaining public health and livestock integrity. The South Dakota Animal Industry Board is pivotal in this cooperative eradication campaign, underscoring the state’s commitment to preventing a full-scale outbreak.
Bovine tuberculosis is a chronic, slowly progressive respiratory illness primarily impacting cattle. The disease is transmitted through prolonged close contact among animals. Although cattle rarely display visible signs of infection, the disease poses a significant challenge due to its transmissibility and impact on livestock production.
Nationally, the U.S. has achieved impressive success in nearly eradicating bovine TB, with fewer than 12 cases annually detected from 2019 to the third quarter of fiscal year 2024, according to APHIS’s Veterinary Services division. Comprehensive milk pasteurization and meat inspection programs have ensured that bovine TB does not threaten food safety in the United States.
Dr. Thompson urges local farmers and stakeholders to remain vigilant and report any suspected cases of bovine TB to ensure that South Dakota maintains its status as a leader in agricultural safety. “Our goal is to protect our livestock and livelihood from potential outbreaks. Working together with local farmers, the board, and national agencies, we can continue to preserve our state’s agricultural reputation.”
Farmers, veterinarians, and citizens are encouraged to contact the South Dakota Animal Industry Board for more information or to report any potential cases. The board continues to support the livestock industry through education and preventive measures, crucial in keeping disease incidence at bay.
As this story unfolds, South Dakota’s agricultural community remains steadfast and united in tackling the challenges posed by bovine tuberculosis, with innovative solutions and collaborative efforts paving the way for a healthy future.