Comment from Thedra McDowell

My husband and I are cattle producers in Union County, New Mexico. Please consider the following comments in regard to changing our State's TB status from Accredited Free status to Modified Accredited Advanced status. 1. Union County is located in the far northeast corner of New Mexico. It is my understanding that the TWO TB-positive cows were in dairy herds in Roosevelt and Curry counties, which are more than 150 rural miles away from Union County. 2. The TB-positive dairy herds have been quarantined in Roosevelt and Curry counties. There have been no other TB-suspect cattle identified within any of the remaining counties in New Mexico. 3. We along with countless other ranchers throughout the rest of the state are being unfairly penalized especially at this time of year which is traditionally shipping season. Shipping cattle out of state has become nearly impossible. Even if sold within New Mexico, calf prices are being discounted by buyers, because of extra costs caused by the current status. 4. This regulation change may well be the proverbial last nail in the coffin for many small cattle producers who have been faced with skyrocking costs, including fuel, feed, and labor. We strongly urge the USDA to consider seriously the option of a Split State Status for New Mexico.