Blood Collection and Submission 



Identif)' each animal with either an official USDA metal eartag placed in the upper 

 middle portion of the right ear, an individual animal's registration tattoo, an official 

 registration brand, or an individual registration number (in conjunction with an 

 official eartag, tattoo, or brand) issued by a breed association recognized by VS. 

 (Also see the section entitled "Current Animal Identification") Record the eartag 

 (identification or vaccination), registration tattoo, age (months or years), sex, and 

 breed on VS Form 4-33. If you are working with a herd known to be, or suspected 

 of being, infected, take proper precautions by wearing protective gloves and eyewear. 

 Avoid direct contact with retained placenta, vaginal discharges, aborted fetuses, 

 and other reproductive tissues because these materials are potential sources of 

 human brucellosis. 



Collect 3 to 5 ml of blood. Take appropriate precautions to prevent hemolysis by 

 (1) sending the samples with ice packs or (2) centrifuging, pouring the serum off, 

 and sending the serum only. (See the section entitled "Laboratory Submissions.") 

 Because swine blood is particularly susceptible to hemolysis, take extra precautions 

 in handling it. If you are bleeding the animal with a needle and syringe, do not 

 extrude the sampled blood from the syringe through the needle into the test tube. 

 This practice can cause hemolysis. Blood or serum samples should be delivered to 

 the cooperative State or Federal laboratory as soon as possible for testing. Test results 

 will be interpreted by State or Federal regulatory officials. You may be contacted for 

 additional individual or herd history. 



Animals Eligible for Vaccination 



Vaccinate only heifer calves between the ages of 4 and 12 months. Many States 

 have even more restrictive age requirements for vaccination. Before vaccinating 

 any animals for brucellosis, be certain that you understand and follow your State's 

 requirements. Adult vaccination for brucellosis is conducted by State and/or Federal 

 officials only. If you have questions concerning this program, contact the State animal 

 health official or the APFilS-VS Area Office nearest you. 



Instructions for Vaccination 



Step 1: Vaccine Handling and Administration — 



1. Keep the vaccine stored properly according to label instructions. 



2. Check the expiration date before using. 



3. Reconstitute the vaccine following the label instructions. 



4. Mix the RB51 vaccine just before using; keep it cool and out of direct sunlight. 



2-3 



