Wyoming confirms brucellosis discovery

Friday, June 13, 2008 3:22 PM MDT

CHEYENNE, Wyo. - Wyoming today confirmed the discovery of brucellosis in two cows pasturing in a county adjacent to the Yellowstone National Park.

The Wyoming state veterinarian was notified by the Wyoming State Veterinary Laboratory that blood taken from two cows has reacted to diagnostic tests for brucellosis.

The cows both came from a single herd near Daniel, Wyo.

Reactions on blood tests do not necessarily prove that cattle are infected with brucellosis. However, these reactions were quite strong; this suggests that these cattle may well be infected. The two cows have been purchased by USDA/ Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and sent to the Wyoming State Veterinary Laboratory for a full diagnostic evaluation.

Tissues from the cattle will be cultured in an attempt to isolate the organism causing the reaction; it may take two weeks or longer to get final culture results.

In the meantime, the Wyoming Livestock Board is working with APHIS and the producer to complete blood tests of the remainder of the herd and may test neighboring herds as well. The producer has been cooperative.

Even though the brucellosis infection was confirmed, these results will not automatically cause Wyoming to lose its "Brucellosis-Free" status granted by APHIS, provided no additional infected herds are identified. Maintaining the state's Brucellosis-Free status may also require the herd to be depopulated.

The state will need to go two more years without an additional case to maintain free status.

Brucellosis is a bacterial disease that can cause cattle, elk and bison to abort their calves and is a serious human health disease. A meeting with producers is scheduled for 7-9 p.m. on June 17 at the Pinedale, Wyo., library.

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