10/18/05 Possible brucellosis case

The Idaho Department of Agriculture says a ranch in Swan Valley has been quarantined after a cow reacted positively to a Brucellosis test. Veterinary Medical Officers from ISDA have tested the entire Bonneville County herd and found additional cows with a positive reaction. ISDA spokesman Wayne Hoffman says the testing will confirm whether the animals are infected with or exposed to Brucellosis. HOFFMAN "We hope to know something more soon within the next couple of weeks." Despite the recent firing of the State Veterinarian, Hoffman says ISDA has the trained veterinarians and personnel to deal with this incident or others like it. HOFFMAN "Deb Lawrence is the lead veterinarian and she's working with her colleagues in the department and also with APHIS to continue additional testing." Brucellosis is caused by bacteria and can affect cattle, elk, bison and other animals. ISDA and USDA will also identify and test all herds that may have had contract with the quarantined herd. It has been three years since a Brucellosis case was confirmed in Idaho. Idaho has retained in Brucellosis Class Free status since 1991. Voice of Idaho Agriculture Bill Scott