Brucellosis Found in Idaho Beef Cow

Brucellosis Found in Idaho Beef Cow

Susan Allen
Susan Allen

 

Brucellosis was found last week in an Eastern Idaho beef cow. How will that impact our region? I’m Susan Allen stay tuned to find out. Idaho State Ag officials reported that the infectious bacterial disease brucellosis was discovered last week in a beef cow in Eastern Idaho. The race is on to see if it is one isolated case, or has spread. The beef cow was discovered ill in a newly assembled herd. Officials  reported that no calves or bred cows were sold and the herd is now quarantined and in the process of being tested, with the results expected to be available by weeks end. The owner from  the Rigby area has been cooperative and said his  herd had been vaccinated for the disease. Obviously the vaccine is not 100 percent guarantee. Why the worry over Brucellosis? While it is rarely  transmitted to humans it can provide a host of complications to other mammals. In elk, bison deer and dairy cattle it has been known to cause abortions,  infertility, decreased milk production and weight loss. Currently Brucellosis is considered a western phenomena having been eradicated nationwide it still exists in Yellowstone and counties surrounding the park . Oddly the sick beef cow was found during the period remaining for public comment regarding labeling the Yellowstone region a brucellosis hot zone meaning only those in that region would be required to undergo costly testing. If more cows test positive, no doubt that decision will be revisited .  
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