Brucellosis Biosecurity
Montana had been brucellosis-free since 1985, but the disease was found in a Bridger cattle herd in May of 2007. Per APHIS rules, the state had to remain brucellosis-free for 24 months after that discovery to maintain Class Free status. The process of downgrading Montana’s status was initiated in June 2008 after a cow in Paradise Valley was found to be infected with the disease.
The USDA has four classifications for brucellosis: Class Free, Class A, Class B and Class C. Restrictions on the interstate movement of cattle become less stringent as a state approaches or achieves Class Free status. Class C designation is for states with the highest rate of brucellosis, and requires a federal quarantine. Class A and Class B fall between the two extremes of Class Free and Class C status.
Currently there are no additional testing requirements on intrastate (in state) movement of cattle. The USDA USDA-APHIS Uniform Methods & Rules for Brucellosis Eradication says all Test-Eligible Cattle and Bison (sexually intact animals over 18 months of age) from Montana must be tested negative for Brucellosis within 30 days prior to entry into another state. But, some states that have issued specific import requirements in response to the Montana brucellosis case. They are listed in the MDOL website at: http://liv.mt.gov/Brucellosis/index.asp. If your state of destination is not listed, please see the State Veterinarian Contact Information page for import information.
The Disease
Brucellosis is a contagious disease of animals that also affects humans. The disease is also known as Bang’s Disease. In humans, it’s known as Undulant Fever. Brucellosis is one of the most serious diseases of livestock, considering the damage done by the infection in animals. Decreased milk production, weight loss, loss of young, infertility, and lameness are some of the affects on animals.
This disease is commonly transmitted to susceptible animals by direct contact with infected animals or with an environment that has been contaminated with discharges from infected animals. Aborted fetuses, placental membranes or fluids, and other vaginal discharges present after an infected animal has aborted or calved are all highly contaminated with infectious Brucella organisms. Cows may ingest the disease-causing organisms with contaminated food or water.
Brucellosis is carried from one herd to another by an infected or exposed animal. This mode of transmission occurs when a herd owner buys replacement cattle or bison that are infected or have been exposed to infection prior to purchase. Brucellosis can be spread when wild animals or animals from an affected herd mingle with brucellosis-free herds.
Brucellosis is a reportable disease. Any confirmed or suspected case should be reported to:
- Montana State Veterinarian — 406-444-2043
- USDA APHIS Veterinary Services for Montana — 406-449-2220
For more information on the Greater Yellowstone Area Brucellosis situation:
- http://www.liv.mt.gov/AH/diseases/brucellosis/gya.asp
- http://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/animal_diseases/brucellosis/
- http://www.gyibc.com/
- http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dbmd/diseaseinfo/brucellosis_g.htm
Montana Beef Quality Assurance,
2116 Broadwater Ave., Suite 307/11
Billings, MT 59102,
406-896-9068,
cpeck@montana.edu
Montana Beef Network,
119 Linfield Hall
Bozeman, MT 59718,
406-994-4323,
mharbac@montana.edu