ND Department of Agriculture Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE JUNE 12, 2008

BRUCELLOSIS TESTING REQUIRED ON MONTANA CATTLE, BISON

BISMARCK – Brucellosis testing will now be required for most cattle entering North Dakota from Montana.

"The State Board of Animal Health has ordered that all test-eligible cattle and bison must test negative for brucellosis within 30 days before they can be imported into North Dakota,” said Dr. Susan Keller, North Dakota state veterinarian. “This order takes effect June 16.”

Test-eligible animals for North Dakota include females 18 months or older, females of any age that have calved or are near delivery, and bulls that are 12 months or older.

Keller said the order also requires a permit be obtained for any sexually intact cattle or bison before entry into North Dakota.

"The board’s action is in response to the pending loss of Montana’s brucellosis-free status,” Keller said. "It is a precautionary measure to protect our own brucellosis-free status.”

Keller said the new order preempts an earlier order requiring testing on Montana cattle and bison from Gallatin, Park, Carson and Madison counties. The new order covers all Montana counties.

Last year, several cows from a ranch near Bridger were diagnosed with brucellosis. On Monday, Montana officials announced that a cow from another herd near Livingston had tested positive for the disease. States lose their brucellosis-free status if the disease is found in more than one herd of cattle in a two-year period.

Just last February, the U.S. Department of Agriculture declared all 50 states as brucellosis-free, the first time in 74 years.

Caused by Brucella abortus bacteria, brucellosis is one of the more serious diseases of livestock. It causes abortions in cows, as well as decreased milk production, weight loss, infertility, and lameness. There is no treatment for the disease in livestock, and vaccination is only 65 percent effective. Affected herds are usually depopulated. Although rare, the disease can affect humans.

Keller said pasteurized milk and properly cooked meat are safe to consume.

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MEDIA: For more information, please call Dr. Susan Keller or Dr. Beth Carlson at (701) 328-2655.