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Wyoming cattle test positive for brucellosis
Story Discussion Wyoming cattle test positive for brucellosis
By JEFF GEARINO Southwest Wyoming bureau trib.com | Posted: Wednesday, October 27, 2010 11:11 am | No Comments Posted
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GREEN RIVER -- Three cows from a northwest Wyoming cattle herd have initially tested positive for brucellosis, according to the state veterinarian.
Dr. Jim Logan said in a media release this morning his agency was notified by the Wyoming State Veterinary Laboratory that blood from the three cows reacted to tests for brucellosis. The cows are from a single herd in Park County.
Brucellosis is a bacterial disease that can cause cattle, elk and bison to abort their calves.
Scientists believe the area around Yellowstone National Park in northwest Wyoming contains the last remaining reservoirs of the disease. The disease can be transmitted from wildlife to cattle.
Logan said reactors on blood tests do not absolutely prove that cattle are infected with brucellosis.
However, Logan said the reactors were very strong indicators that the likelihood of infection is high.
Tissue and blood samples were collected from the three cows and submitted to the state lab for a full diagnostic evaluation. Tests results may take up to two weeks to complete.
The presence of the disease within the herd -- if confirmed through further testing -- could result in additional testing requirements and strict adherence to quarantine procedures to keep Wyoming from losing its federal brucellosis-free status.
Read more about this story in Thursday's Star-Tribune.
Contact southwest Wyoming bureau reporter Jeff Gearino at (307)875-5359 or
[email protected]