Idaho Brucellosis Outbreak Prompts Inspection Step-Up
US – Brucellosis testing requirements in North Dakota will be stepped up on cattle and bison imported from Idaho, following a state and federal review.The decision comes in a bid to keep North Dakota free of the disease which has been noted in bison and elk, according to North Dakota State Veterinarian, Susan Keller.
Miscarriages can be caused through the disease and for this reason import requirements are an important way of preventing disease spread, said Mrs Keller to Magic Valley – Times News.
According to the Board of Animal Health (BAH) in North Dakota, all Idaho Bison, beef, dairy and rodeo cattle must test negative for brucellosis, even if the animals come from outside a designated brucellosis surveillance area.
The BAH has warned anyone breaching the order could be subject to fines mounting to thousands of dollars.
Last year, concern was started when brucellosis was found in a Idaho cattle herd outside a designated zone.
The North Dakota stockman’s association support the decision.
TheCattleSite News Desk