Brucellosis identified in Park, Sublette county cattle herds
SHERIDAN (WNE) — Routine brucellosis surveillance testing has identified brucellosis affected cattle herds in both Park and Sublette counties.
Laboratory testing was conducted at the Wyoming State Veterinary Laboratory, Laramie, and results were confirmed at the National Veterinary Services Laboratory, Ames, Iowa. Both herds are located within Wyoming’s Brucellosis Designated Surveillance Area.
With the addition of these herds, WLSB currently has three herds in Park and one herd in Sublette County under quarantine for brucellosis.
Both affected herds have been quarantined following confirmation of test results. No contact herd quarantines are anticipated.
The affected herds are currently participating in serial testing to meet the requirements for quarantine release. Testing of affected herds is a cooperative effort between herd owners, private veterinary practitioners, Wyoming Livestock Board personnel, and United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Veterinary Services personnel.
Identification of brucellosis positive cattle is not uncommon within Wyoming’s DSA, where a brucellosis reservoir in wildlife occasionally spills over into cattle. Required brucellosis surveillance for specified cattle in the DSA includes testing prior to leaving the DSA, and within 30 days prior to change of ownership.
Dr. Teckla Webb, WLSB assistant state veterinarian – Field Operations, acknowledges the difficult situation faced by owners of affected herds.
“We sincerely appreciate the cooperation from producers and veterinarians within the DSA,” Webb said. “All affected herds are required to use electronic identification device eartags, and all data is submitted electronically, ensuring accuracy and efficiency for disease reporting. The majority of our DSA veterinarians have been using EID tags for almost a decade when performing brucellosis official calfhood vaccinations and routine brucellosis surveillance testing, which has significantly enhanced the accuracy and traceability of our brucellosis data.”
This story was published on February 22, 2025.