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Show Cattlemen advised to protect herds LOGAN "Brucellosis is much less common than it used to be but it still can be a very expensive disease when it gets in a herd of cattle. Take care; be safe not sorry," advised Dr. Clell V. Bagley D.V.M., extensioin veterinarian, Utah State University recently. He reminded, "Protect your herd. Vaccinate heifers. Get a good history on cattle you plan to purchase and don't try to take shortcuts by not testing cattle you buy. Blood test . cows at purchase and isolate them at the home ranch from the resident herd until after a second test, 45-100 days later." Bagley emphasized the importance of vaccinating beef calves now. "With dairy calves, vaccinating for brucellosis is a year-round year-round project. Beef producers usually do it seasonally. If they don't do it soon, they are apt to neglect it." Under the new "state classification system" for brucellosis irradication, Utah will probably be classed as an "A" Status state indicating less than 2.5 infected herds per 1,000 herds for 12 months. Bagley said, "We have had six infected herds during the past year, but currently have only one in the state. Our producers should plan any shipping so they are prepared to comply with the requirements of blood testing within 30 days prior to shipment. Also, they should be aware that they are responsible to obtain the required follow-up tests at their own expense when importing from states with a "B" or "C" Status. "Remember that female cattle sold in Utah must be vaccinated, 'S' branded, or sold to a quarantined feel lot," Bagley said. |