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NDA sends letter to Secretary Vilsack regarding bovine TB fundingNebraska Nebraska Department of Agriculture Director Greg Ibach offered this statement July 14 regarding the Nebraska Congressional Delegation's request to the United States Department of Agriculture for funding to address the ongoing bovine tuberculosis case: "We appreciate the efforts of the Congressional Delegation to encourage the provision of USDA funds necessary for herd depopulation. NDA has been in regular contact with the Congressional Delegation over the past month, and we are pleased they have listened to our concerns. "While the epidemiological investigation, including testing of potentially TB-exposed cattle, is progressing, we believe depopulation of the infected herd and related trace animals is critical to our efforts to address this disease. Depopulation is also important for maintaining confidence in the health of the region's cattle herd. "Indemnification for such depopulation is a normal, necessary part of the USDA process for TB eradication and control. It is also critical for the producers directly affected by this case. "We very much appreciate the USDA assistance we have received to date in addressing this disease situation. I am hopeful that the Delegation's letter will secure the funding needed to complete a critical part of our overall efforts against bovine TB." Governor Dave Heineman also responded to the July 14 letter by the Congressional Delegation: "USDA has been a good partner with the State as we work to minimize the impact of bovine TB in Nebraska. I want to encourage the federal Department's continued cooperation regarding this critical component of our response to TB in Nebraska."
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