The Dr. Kathleen Jordan Project

Thanks to the dedication of Dr. Kathleen Jordan, her colleagues, the school system, and the people of Minnesota, the disease was nearly eliminated from the state. As of 2023, only 160 total cases were confirmed in Minnesota.

Cow Wars

Bovine Tuberculosis and human tuberculosis were not immediately recognized as related diseases. Bovine tuberculosis is a serious threat to cows.

In Iowa, voluntary testing of cattle herds took place in the 1920s. In 1929, the Iowa Legislature made the testing of dairy herds mandatory. Some farmers did not accept the science involved or believed that the testing itself was harmful. Others objected because an infected animal would have to be removed from the herd and considered the government payment too low. All the farmers were feeling the economic effects of the Great Depression.

Hundreds of Iowa farmers prevented veterinarians from testing the cattle herds. The farmers held rallies, protested, and filed lawsuits. The lawsuits failed, but the protests continued. Eventually the Governor of Iowa called out the National Guard. The protests ceased and the cattle herds were tested.

Smaller but similar protests were held in western Minnesota. Counties delayed the arrival of veterinary crews in deference to the concern of the farmers. Eventually the testing of the cattle herds became routine.