News Release
Governor Martz Expresses Concern Over Idaho's Confirmation of Brucellosis Infection in Cattle Herd
4/19/2002
Meta Boyer
406-444-665
mboyer@state.mt.us
The affected herd was fed on the same feeding grounds with a free-ranging elk herd in which Brucella abortus has been confirmed. Brucella abortus is the bacteria that causes brucellosis. Free-ranging elk in the Greater Yellowstone Area in Montana, Idaho and Wyoming have been surveilled and confirmed to be affected with the disease of brucellosis.
In 1995, the Legislature passed legislation that prohibits concentrated feeding grounds for wildlife in the State of Montana. Such feeding grounds are still legal in Idaho and Wyoming.
"This is a strong indication that our greatest concerns about the transmission of brucellosis from wildlife to domestic cattle herds is a very real possibility," said Governor Judy Martz. "This proves that we must step up our efforts to eradicate brucellosis in wildlife in the Greater Yellowstone Area."
Currently, no brucellosis tests are required for cattle being transported between two brucellosis-free states, such as Idaho and Montana. In addition, numerous cattle graze on the border between Idaho and Montana. Although the initial herd does not pose a direct threat to Montana cattle due to the disease control efforts of both states, if additional herds are diagnosed, the threat of a widespread brucellosis outbreak affecting Montana is possible.
In addition, if transmission of brucellosis from free-ranging elk to cattle is confirmed, potential exists that the same transmission could occur in any Montana cattle herd that roams with brucellosis-infected wildlife.
Montana will be closely monitoring the situation to determine if additional actions are necessary. This will include remaining in close contact with Idaho's state veterinarian and USDA's Animal Plant Health Inspection Service. The Montana Department of Livestock will keep the public informed of any changes in the current situation.
"We in Montana empathize with the State of Idaho in hearing this tragic news, and offer to the State of Idaho any assistance that Montana can provide in the area of disease control," Governor Martz said. Today, Governor Martz attempted to contact Governor Kempthorne to offer any assistance that Montana could provide, and will continue to remain in close contact with his office.
The Brucellosis Eradication Act of 1934 was designed specifically to protect human health. Brucellosis causes undulant fever in humans.
"This is a very direct human health issue, and its effects on the livestock industry in Montana can be devastating," said Governor Martz. "Even before this announcement from the state of Idaho, our state agencies have been evaluating their surveillance efforts for both livestock and wildlife to prevent brucellosis from entering Montana's livestock herds."
The economic impact of brucellosis on the state's economy due to sanctions by other states and countries could be in the millions, according to Department of Livestock Executive Officer Marc Bridges.
"It cost Montana livestock producers nearly $35 million to establish Montana's brucellosis-free status, and that is just the cost of testing and depopulation," said Bridges. "Beyond the costs of testing, which ranges from $5- $7 per head, the impact of lost export opportunities resulting from a loss of our brucellosis-free status could devastate
our state's billion dollar livestock industry."
Since 1983, no cattle herds have been infected by the disease in Montana. Montana earned brucellosis-free status in 1985.
The ranchers in the Yellowstone area voluntarily vaccinate their cattle, even though Montana is brucellosis-free. In addition, the Montana Department of Livestock surveys the area, due to the increased risk for transmission between wildlife and domestic cattle.
Idaho achieved brucellosis-free status in 1989. If infection is confirmed in a second herd, Idaho stands to lose its brucellosis-free status.
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