Pawlenty targets bovine tuberculosis in northwestern Minn.

At risk?
Cattle in northwest Minnesota are at risk for bovine tuberculosis.
MPR file photo

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 on the deficit
Gov. Tim Pawlenty reacts Thursday to news that the state's projected budget deficit is approaching $1 billion.
MPR Photo/Tom Scheck

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.