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Tennessee cattle at risk after state vet warns about risk of ‘mad cow disease’

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Tennessee cattle at risk after state vet warns about risk of ‘mad cow disease’


Tennessee State Veterinarian Dr. Samantha Beaty, confirms atypical bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) AKA ‘Mad Cow Disease’ diagnosis, was found in a cow with ties to the state.

Now there is a warning to other cattle owners whose stock may now be threatened.

This followed the arrival of a cow at a packing company in South Carolina, who appeared to be sick.

In alignment with the United States Department of Agriculture’s BSE surveillance program, the animal was isolated and euthanized. It did not enter the food supply.

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The initial investigation determined the cow originated in southeast Tennessee.

Dr. Beaty says she and her team are working closely with federal partners and animal health officials in South Carolina on the matter.

That includes determining prior owners and locations where the affected cow lived in Tennessee and tracing siblings and offspring for testing., Beaty says

BSE is a chronic degenerative disease that affects the central nervous system of cattle.

It is caused by an abnormal prion protein. The atypical form occurs spontaneously at very low levels in all cattle populations, particularly in older animals.

Atypical BSE poses no known risk to human health.

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It is different from the classical form of BSE, which has not been detected in the U.S. since 2003.

BSE is not contagious and therefore is not spread through contact between cattle or with other species. However, there is no treatment or vaccine to prevent BSE from spreading.

The U.S. has a strong surveillance program in place for early detection and to prevent suspect cattle from entering the food supply chain.

Cattle owners are always advised to monitor their herds for health.

Cattle affected by BSE may display changes in temperament, abnormal posture, poor coordination, decreased milk production, or loss of condition without noticeable loss of appetite.

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Owners with any cattle health concerns are encouraged to report any herd health concerns to their veterinarian or to the State Veterinarian’s office at (615) 837-5120.

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture Animal Health Division is responsible for promoting animal health in Tennessee.

The State Veterinarian’s office’s mission is to prevent the spread of disease through import and movement requirements, livestock traceability, disaster mitigation, and the services of the C.E. Kord Animal Health Diagnostic Laboratory.

The division collaborates with other health-related stakeholders, academic institutions, and extension services to support One Health, an initiative to improve the health of people and animals.



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Tennessee

Titans Drop in Latest Power Rankings

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Titans Drop in Latest Power Rankings


The Tennessee Titans are on a losing streak after falling 23-13 to the Minnesota Vikings in the team’s Week 11 matchup.

The loss puts the Titans at 2-8 on the year, meaning the team must win out in order to avoid a losing season. The Titans are tied for the fewest amount of wins in the league, putting them in position to potentially acquire the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Sports Illustrated writer Conor Orr also views the Titans as one of the NFL’s worst teams, placing them at No. 30 in his latest power rankings, one spot lower than the previous week.

“Will Levis was hurried on half of his snaps on Sunday. I don’t think we’re under any illusion that he’s the long-term answer and certainly he’s earned a place of deep suspicion among the fanbase, but there are some games where he plays at least halfway decent — Levis bested Rodgers for a barely-positive EPA per dropback rating Sunday — yet it feels like the Titans don’t have a shot,” Orr writes.

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The only teams that rank below the Titans in the power rankings are the Las Vegas Raiders and Jacksonville Jaguars, who also lost by multiple scores in Week 11 action.

The Titans have struggled with offensive line play all year long, so it’s no surprise that it led to another loss against the Vikings. The Titans will have to get better in that department, along with several others, if they want to move up in the power rankings and grab a few more wins in the final third of the season.

The Titans are back in action on Sunday as they travel to the Lone Star State to face off against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium in Week 12.

Make sure you bookmark Tennessee Titans on SI for the latest news, exclusive interviews, film breakdowns and so much more!



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With I-40 damaged from Helene, how will it impact holiday traffic in Tennessee? What to know before you go

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With I-40 damaged from Helene, how will it impact holiday traffic in Tennessee? What to know before you go


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Are you taking a road trip this holiday season?

You’re not alone. AAA experts predict 71.7 million travelers to be on the roads nationwide around Thanksgiving, a 1.3 million increase over 2023 numbers.

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In East Tennessee, Tennessee Department of Transportation Spokesperson Mark Nagi anticipates the highways being “very busy.” Road damage and closures add even more complication and congestion to the already-crowded roads.

Tropical Storm Helene caused grave damage to Tennessee and North Carolina highways when the storm swept through on Sept. 27. Months later, road damage continues to be top of mind for drivers.

“We’re continuing to work to get these roadways and bridges open as quickly as possible,” Nagi said.

Interstate 40 remains closed across the Tennessee and North Carolina state border after a mudslide wiped out a portion of the highway. The North Carolina Department of Transportation has a plan to reopen two-way traffic in the gorge, but not in time for Thanksgiving or Christmas travel.

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To make travel a bit easier, there will be no temporary lane closures from noon on Wednesday, Nov 27, through 6 a.m. on Dec. 2, according to Nagi. However, this does not apply to long-term closures like I-40 where roads are closed for damage.

Tips for holiday travel

Knowing that highways in East Tennessee could be extra busy this year, Nagi shared some road trip tips to make the holiday travel easier.

  • Download the SmartWay app, or look at the road closure map online.
  • Give yourself extra time to travel. Leave early if you can.
  • Try to avoid travel during peak times, including Wednesday, Nov 27.

Where is I-40 closed?

Still, you’re unable to drive across the Tennessee state line into North Carolina on I-40.

In Tennessee, there is one lane of traffic open in each direction between Mile Marker 446 and Mile Marker 451 at the state line. Commercial traffic cannot go any further than Mile Marker 440 on I-40 East, according to Nagi.

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The highway is closed in both directions from Mile Marker zero to 20 in North Carolina.

How many people travel across I-40 at the gorge?

I-40 is a major thoroughfare through the Southern Appalachian Mountains. The stretch of I-40 in North Carolina that was damaged by Helene supports about 7,610 trucks daily and a total average daily traffic of over 26,000 vehicles.

Alternate route: Use Interstate 26 through Erwin

You can use I-26 through Erwin to cross the state line. This route option reopened in late October, according to Nagi. There is one-lane two-way traffic through the area.

Nagi said there would likely be more traffic on this route through the holiday travel season.

Alternate route: Use Interstate 81 and Interstate 77

From Knoxville, travelers can head north on I-81, which connects with I-77 toward Charlotte. It’s more miles, but you can eventually get to Ashville and other areas of North Carolina from there.

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Country music singer arrested for drug possession in Tennessee

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Country music singer arrested for drug possession in Tennessee


Jamey Johnson was arrested for drug possession and speeding in Williamson County, Tennessee, on Sunday.

Saving Country Music was first to report the news, and TMZ confirmed it.

The arrest took place just more than a week after the release of his first album in 14 years, “Midnight Gasoline.”

News Channel 5 reports Johnson posted a $5,000 bond before he got out of jail Monday.

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“We can confirm that Jamey Johnson was arrested on Sunday, Nov. 17 in Williamson County. The incident is still under investigation,” the Tennessee Highway Patrol wrote in a statement.

Johnson has served as a Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, George Strait and others.

Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim. He can be heard on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile App from 6 to 9 a.m. daily.





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