02/27/08 Staying brucellosis-free

Brucellosis can cause decreased milk production, weight loss, infertility and loss of young livestock and worst of all there's no known treatment for this bacterial disease. That is why the containment and eradication are the only effective means to deal with brucellosis. GERTONSON "For the first time in the 74 year history of the brucellosis program all 50 states have simultaneously attained Class Free status." Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service veterinarian Doctor Arnold Gertonson says Texas was the last state to attain Class Free status with no cattle disease for the preceding twelve months. Given that there is still a presence of brucellosis in free-ranging bison and elk in the Greater Yellowstone Area Dr Gertonson says the threat of future outbreaks is real. USDA works with wildlife and land management partners to protect the national cattle herd from the disease but Gertonson says producers are the first line of defense. GERTONSON "Identification of animals in the production chain and the ability to trace animal disease to its source is critical." USDA is still encouraging producers to voluntarily register their premises and be part of that line of defense. Voice of Idaho Agriculture Bill Scott