ANIMAL DISEASE ERADICATION - BRUCELLOSIS

NCBA Staff Contact: 
Dr. Elizabeth Parker, Chief Veterinarian
202-347-0228
eparker@beef.org

Summary:
Over the past 50 years we have reached a point where the eradication of Brucellosis is being realized.  USDA announced February 1, 2008, that for the first time in the 74-year history of the Brucellosis program, all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands have simultaneously achieved Class Free status. Texas is the last and final state to be declared brucellosis free.

"This tremendous achievement could not have been accomplished without the combined efforts of state and federal agencies and industry," said Bruce Knight, under secretary for USDA's marketing and regulatory programs mission area. "But our work is not done. We must now focus our efforts on eradicating Brucellosis from the free-ranging elk and bison populations in the Greater Yellowstone Area in order to protect our national cattle herd against future outbreaks of this disease."

Another issue cattlemen face is ensuring there are adequate indemnity finds available, so if a herd needs to be depopulated, it can be done quickly with the producer being compensated in a fair and equitable manner.

Background:

In 1934, Cooperative State Federal Brucellosis Eradication Program was established. The program's Uniform Methods and Rules (UM&R) set forth the minimum standards for states to achieve eradication. A state is designated as Brucellosis-free when none of the cattle in that state are found to be infected for 12 consecutive months under an active surveillance program. A state's Class Free status, however, can change. If 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.

In 2005 indemnity for herd depopulations totaled over $599,000.  These funds were used to depopulate herds in Texas, Wyoming, South Dakota, Iowa and Georgia. In addition, the primary reservoir of Brucellosis in the United States is in the Greater Yellowstone Area in Bison and Elk. The USDA continues its efforts for development of a Brucellosis elimination plan for Greater Yellowstone Area.

Key Points:

·         USDA announced February 1, 2008, that for the first time in the 74-year history of the Brucellosis program, all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands have simultaneously achieved Class Free status.

·         The Cooperative State Federal Brucellosis Eradication Program was established in 1934.

·         Adequate indemnity finds must be made available so if a herd needs to be depopulated, it can be done quickly with the producer being compensated in a fair and equitable manner.

·         Wildlife may be affecting disease eradication more than previously thought and this is under investigation. 

·         The primary reservoir of Brucellosis in the United States is in the Greater Yellowstone Area in Bison and Elk.