even though she might still test negative. Normally the buyer pays for pre-sale testing. Although a
single negative test is not as convincing as several years of whole herd negative tests, it is better than
nothing. More information about CAE and Johnes is in the health chapter.
One should be concerned about tuberculosis (TB) and
brucellosis when buying dairy animals because these
diseases can be transmitted to humans through body
fluids, such as blood, milk, and vaginal secretions
during birth. Tests are available for both of these
diseases, but the incidence of TB and brucellosis in
humans is quite rare because of aggressive programs to
eradicate the diseases in dairy herds. According to the
Centers for Disease Control, around 100 cases of
brucellosis occur annually in the United States.1 Almost
all states are accredited tuberculosis-free, and many
have not had a case of TB in twenty-five years, but this
can change literally overnight if a new case is
discovered. This is why most TB-free states have strict
rules about importing animals from states that are not
accredited TB-free.
When animals cross state lines, whether in an airplane
or private vehicle, they are supposed to have a
certificate of veterinary inspection, often called a health
certificate. In many cases it simply contains info on the
seller and the buyer, along with goat identifying
information, such as tattoo numbers. A veterinarian
signs the health certificate, signifying that the animal is
not exhibiting any signs of disease. When a goat is
coming from a state with a known disease problem,
such as TB, the form will also include the test results
required by the state the animal is being imported to.
Deborah Niemann blogs and speaks about
homesteading at venues throughout the US. Her
advice and experiences are shared in her books:
Homegrown and Handmade, a Practical
Guide to More SelfReliant Living
Ecothrifty: Cheaper, Greener Choices