What is required of practitioners when detecting TB reactors?

Immediate notification to the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is essential when detecting TB reactors because it ensures timely management of potential outbreaks. Reporting such findings enables public health authorities to take swift action, which can include further investigation, quarantining affected livestock, and implementing control measures to prevent the spread of tuberculosis within the animal population. This proactive response is crucial for protecting both animal and human health, and notifying the appropriate regulatory body aligns with established protocols for disease surveillance and management in agriculture.

The other choices do not reflect the necessary actions in response to TB reactors; for instance, disregarding reporting fails to address public safety concerns, extending testing to all nearby farms without direction could lead to unnecessary resource use, and conducting a follow-up test could be part of a management plan but does not replace the need for immediate notification. Understanding the importance of reporting underscores the commitment to animal health and safety protocols.