Pawlenty targets bovine tuberculosis in northwestern Minn.

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ST. PAUL (AP) Gov. Tim Pawlenty is taking a harder line against bovine tuberculosis in northwestern Minnesota.

Pawlenty visited Roseau County to highlight measures to contain the disease, which has infected four cattle herds since October and also been detected in area deer. Agriculture officials are worried that deer will spread the disease to more cattle or dairy herds.

Pawlenty is warning those who feed deer that they could face fines and jail time.

He also announced expanded out-of-season deer hunting permits to cull more deer in the infected area. He wants farmers to fence in their feeding areas to keep the deer out.

State Agriculture Commissioner Gene Hugoson says the federal government is set to downgrade a ranking for Minnesota, making it more expensive and difficult for producers to move animals across state lines.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 03-17-08 1651CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list