Control and Eradication 



Brucellosis 



Brucellosis is a contagious, infectious, and communicable disease affecting primarily 

 cattle, bison, and swine that is caused by bacteria of the genus Brucella. Brucella 

 abortus affects mainly bovine species; B. suis affects mainly porcine species. Goats, 

 sheep, and horses are also susceptible to B. abortus. A third strain, B. tnelitensis, affects 

 mainly goats and sheep. Though B. oris, which affects sheep, does exist in the United 

 States, it does not cause significant disease problems. Currently, there is no program 

 and no initiative to establish a program for the control of B. ovis. 



In its principal animal hosts, brucellosis causes loss of young through spontaneous 

 abortion or birth of weak offspring, reduced milk production, and infertility. It can 

 affect both animals and humans. Brucellosis is transmitted from animals by direct 

 contact with infected blood, placenta, fetuses, or uterine secretions or through 

 the consumption of infected and raw animal products (especially milk and milk 

 products). There is no economically feasible treatment for brucellosis in livestock. 



The regulations of APHIS' Brucellosis Eradication Program vary on the basis of the 

 brucellosis status in each State. Minimum standards are set forth in the Brucellosis 

 Eradication Uniform Methods and Rules, a publication distributed by VS. Some 

 States have more restrictive requirements. Check with the APHIS-VS Area Office 

 nearest you (appendix B) for testing and vaccination pohcies. Contact the State or 

 Federal animal health officials in your State to obtain all necessary forms, mailers, 

 identification tags, and other items required for both vaccinating and testing eligible 

 animals. (For some items, fees may apply.) 



Interstate Shipment 



Before testing for interstate shipment, obtain specific State regulations by contacting 

 the State animal health official's office in the importing State. See appendix C for a list 

 of addresses and telephone numbers of State animal health officials. 



International Export 



WTien preparing to test and certify an animal for international export, become 

 familiar with the requirements by visiting the National Center for Import and Export, 

 Animal Regulations Library at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/vs/import_export.htm and 

 then contact the APFilS-VS Area Office for additional guidance. 



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