Suzan Holl (301) 734-6464
Jerry Redding (202) 720-6959
USDA Changes Idaho's Class Free Brucellosis Status
WASHINGTON, Jan. 19, 2006––The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is amending its brucellosis regulations concerning interstate movement of cattle by changing Idaho's classification from Class Free to Class A. This action is necessary in order to prevent the spread of brucellosis.
In order for a state to attain and keep their Class Free status, all cattle herds within that state must remain free of Brucella abortus for a period of 12 consecutive months. APHIS has determined that Idaho no longer meets the standards for Class Free status.
Idaho was classified as Class Free until a brucellosis infected herd was discovered on Nov. 14, 2005. At that time, the state took immediate measures to maintain its Class Free status according to federal regulations. However, on Nov. 29, 2005, another brucellosis infected herd was confirmed. With the discovery of the second infected herd, Idaho no longer meets the standards for Class Free status.
The classifications for brucellosis are as follows: Class Free, Class A, Class B and Class C. When 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. Restrictions on moving cattle interstate become less stringent as a state approaches or achieves Class Free status. The Class C designation is for states or areas with the highest rate of brucellosis. States or areas that do not meet the minimum standards for Class C are required to be placed under a federal quarantine.
Brucellosis is a contagious disease caused by the Brucella bacteria, and affects animals and, rarely, humans. The United States is almost entirely free of brucellosis in cattle. Aside from Idaho, only two states, Wyoming and Texas, are affected with cattle brucellosis. Both states are designated as Class A.
This interim rule became effective Jan. 12 and scheduled to be published in the Jan. 19 Federal Register.
Consideration will be given to comments received on or before March 20. Send an original and three copies of postal mail or commercial delivery comments to Docket No. APHIS-2006-0001, Regulatory Analysis and Development, PPD, APHIS, Station 3A-03.8, 4700 River Road Unit 118, Riverdale, Md. 20737 1238. If you wish to submit a comment using the Internet, go to the Federal eRulemaking portal at http://www.regulations.gov and, in the "Search for Open Regulation" box, select "Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service" from the agency drop-down menu, then click on A"Submit." In the Docket ID column, select APHIS-2006-0001 to submit or view public comments and to view supporting and related materials available electronically.
Comments are posted on the Regulations.gov Web site and may also be reviewed at USDA, Room 1141, South Building, 14th Street and Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C., between 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding holidays. To facilitate entry into the comment reading room, please call (202) 690-2817.
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