Brucellosis still threatens U.S. cattle herds WASHINGTON - Rein troduction of brucellosis via cattle shipped from higher incidence areas is the main stumbling block preventing many states from reaching and retaining a zero in fection level, reports a top U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) veterinarian. Cattle brucellosis, often called disease, is a highly contagious disease of sexually mature animals. Humans as well as other animals may be affected. The economic consequences of this disease in cattle are evidenced by its symptoms: Abortion, retained placenta, birth of dead or weak calves, and a greatly extended calving interval. Paul Becton, in charge of brucellosis eradication for USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, notes that 27 states are certified brucellosis-free; but only eight of these have no herds - quarantined because of the disease. Over 90 per cent of the cattle affected with brucellosis remaining in this LIKE TO OWN A DRYER BUT FEEL THE COST IS TOO HIGH? 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This leaves ten mountain and midwestem states with low infection rates, but not yet certified as brucellosis free. Some of these states ipplnding Illinois, lowa and Kansas-have had so much trouble with reintroduction of brucellosis that they now require quarantining and retesting of cattle tran sported from designated U.S. problem areas. Recent reports from Kansas indicate these restrictions are paying off. In a three-month period this year, animal health authorities in Kansas identified 20 shipped-in in fected herds by quarantining cattle upon arrival and retesting them 45 to 90 days later. The bulk of the shipments containing infected or ex posed cattle were from the following: Mississippi (6), DRYER FOR YOU! Missouri (3), Alabama (2), Tennessee (2), and Texas (2). Arkansas and Louisiana accounted for one shipment j^S> SHEWS FARM SERVICE STAUFFER I ROAD miufortrp ■ AIRPORT N W 1 E - UCi-IjLOSIG l»OVj AJID HIGH PREVALAtICE STATES *o \ O C** <r 0 each with infection. The rest were combined shipments from two or more of the first four named states. Generally, explained Becton, both state and federal rules prohibit shipping of brucellosis affected or exposed cattle other than to slaughter plants or quarantined feedlots, either directly or by way of specifically approved stockyards. Also, any test eligible breeding cattle moving from an area or lesser status to a certified brucellosis-free area must be tested and found negative within 30 days of shipment. “The problem,” said Becton, “is that one test may not be enough to reveal the presence of disease. This is because brucellosis has a rather long and varible incubation period. Most animals develop detectable antibodies within 30 to 60 days following exposure, but up to seven months have been reported in rare in stances.” Becton, 1 therefore, strongly recommends a second brucellosis test, preferably 60 to 120 days after the first. “A second negative test is far more Lancaster, PA 17601 656-2366 | ROAD SERVICE S>\ LUKE B. 2476 Creek Hill Road 24 HOUR ■ ■naMaiHCUT CUT It you can use our services, clip the above name and number and keep it in your truck or dispatch office. General Truck & Thermo-King Repairs Tire Repair Bandag Treading Inside Reefer State Inspection Cleaning Notary Public Service 10:00-20... 10:00-22... . GOLD SEAL HI PLUS BAR or SUPER HAUL 10:00-20 10:00-22 Fed. Tax & Installation included. Lancaster Farming, Saturday, October 2t, 197 S reassuring that the animals are not infected,” he said. Some certified brucellosis free states have experienced problems - with rein troduction of disease from the higher incidence states. On the West Coast,.for in stance, both California and Washington have had costly outbreaks within the past few years- California has reacted by requiring that all imported dairy heifers be calfhood vaccinated; and they must enter the state accompanied by a permit and official health certificate. To enter California, vaccinated dairy heifers over 20 months old also must be tested and be negative 30 days before entry. Testing and permit requirements are also a must for beef cattle entering the state. California recently passed a tough but fair law telling cattlemen and dairymen whose herds are quarantined for brucellosis to cooperate in the eradication effort to pay the entire cost of eradicating the disease of their herds. As of Jan. 1, 1979, only vaccinated dairy heifers may enter the state of DUNLOP TIRES Don’t Be Fooled By Higher Prices! We Sell Quality For Less GOLD SEAL 3-RIB HIGHWAY Washington. Beef or dairy breeding cattle entering Washington from less than certified brucellosis-free areas are quarantined upon arrival, and they must be retested within 30 to 60 days at the owner’s expense. In the northeast, Vermont for a short time prior to 1972 was completely free of brucellosis in its cattle population. Slowly, at first, Vermont began ex periencing new outbreaks caused by diseased cattle entering from other areas. By January 1977, four Vermont counties had ex cessively high herd infection rates, resulting in their loss of certified brucellosis-free status. Vermont was fighting back, however. The state strengthened its animal health rules and began waging a vigorous in formation campaign to better acquaint farmers with the brucellosis threat. Campaign literature urged farmers to buy only negative tested cattle and to isolate newly purchased cattle for “a minimum of 30 days.'’ Then, “every single pur- (Turn to Page 46^ . $145.15 . $150.57 5154.50 5160.61 After Dec. 1 -5% Increase. 17
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