BCS, free of bovine tuberculosis: a livestock health milestone

Thanks to the collaboration, each herd was inspected using standardized methods, epidemiological monitoring, and immediate response.

La Paz, BCS – June 12, 2025 – In a historic event, Baja California Sur concluded the official campaign against bovine tuberculosis (bTB) without recording a single positive case, leaving the state officially free of this disease. In total, 203,000 head of cattle were sampled in 1,825 herds distributed across the five municipalities, and a rigorous sanitary sweep was applied.

1. Stages of control and recategorization

The strategy was executed in several phases defined by SENASICA and SEPADA :

1. Control

2. Low prevalence (Level I and II)

3. Eradication

4. Free

In December 2024, BCS was recategorized as Low Prevalence Level II , reflecting a low rate of confirmed cases (0.01% to 0.1%).

To date, the northern capitals ( Mulegé , Comondú and Loreto ) have exceeded 100% coverage, while Los Cabos has reached 75% and La Paz 80% , adding to the final result.

2. Key inter-institutional collaboration

The success of the program is due to the close coordination between:

• SENASICA (federal)

• SEPADA (state)

• CEFPP (State Committee for Livestock Promotion and Protection)

• Local ranchers

Thanks to the collaboration, each herd was inspected using standardized methods, epidemiological monitoring, and immediate response.

3. Economic and commercial benefits

The new health status offers tangible advantages:

• Opening to national and international markets , with access to higher prices and export volumes.

• Greater added value of livestock , lower risk to buyers and insurance companies.

• Boosting the agricultural sector , with improvements in income and well-being for producers and their families.

It is estimated that in the last three years, BCS has invested more than 126 million pesos in support of livestock, including equipment, medicines and technical training.

4. Continuous monitoring: the next step

With the status of a free area, the state enters a permanent phase of epidemiological surveillance , as established by the national protocol:

• Routine monitoring of livestock

• Identifying warning signs (cough, weight loss, fever)

• Immediate control actions in the event of any suspicion

SEPADA has already alerted producers to maintain fluid communication with authorities in case of suspicious symptoms.

Goals Achieved

• Historic goal achieved : 203,000 animals sampled, 1,825 herds inspected, zero cases found.

• International health recognition : recategorization to Low Prevalence Level II and expectation of declaration of a free area.

• Productive reward : export strength and economic improvements for the livestock sector.

• Shared responsibility : coordination between authorities, producers and health agencies.