USDA CHANGES IDAHO=S CLASS FREE BRUCELLOSIS STATUS
WASHINGTON, Jan. 19, 2006–The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is amending its brucellosis regulations concerning interstate movement of cattle by changing Idaho=s classification from Class Free to Class A. This action is necessary in order to prevent the spread of brucellosis.
In order for a state to attain and keep their Class Free status, all cattle herds within that state must remain free of Brucella abortus for a period of 12 consecutive months. APHIS has determined that Idaho no longer meets the standards for Class Free status.
Idaho was classified as Class Free until a brucellosis infected herd was discovered on Nov. 14, 2005. At that time, the state took immediate measures to maintain its Class Free status according to federal regulations. However, on Nov. 29, 2005, another brucellosis infected herd was confirmed. With the discovery of the second infected herd, Idaho no longer meets the standards for Class Free status.
The classifications for brucellosis are as follows: Class Free, Class A, Class B and Class C. When brucellosis is found in more than one herd of cattle in a brucellosis‑free state within a two-year period, the state is downgraded to Class A status. Restrictions on moving cattle interstate become less stringent as a state approaches or achieves Class Free status. The Class C designation is for states or areas with the highest rate of brucellosis. States or areas that do not meet the minimum standards for Class C are required to be placed under a federal quarantine.
Brucellosis is a contagious disease caused by the Brucella bacteria, and affects animals and, rarely, humans. The United States is almost entirely free of brucellosis in cattle. Aside from Idaho, only two states, Wyoming and Texas, are affected with cattle brucellosis. Both states are designated as Class A.
This interim rule became effective Jan. 12 and scheduled to be published in the Jan. 19 Federal Register.
Sad day for Idaho cattle producers.
For it is not death or hardship that is a fearful thing, but the fear of death and hardship. Epictetus
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Tracked: Feb 08, 15:07
Isn't the decision those in power make just wonderful sometimes. The federal government tells ranchers they have to control brucellosis or face severe restrictions on their abilities to move cattle across state lines like our friends in Idaho and Wyoming
Tracked: Feb 10, 04:17