Guest post by Dannele Peck, Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics, University of Wyoming
Bovine brucellosis is a disease of concern for cow-calf producers in the Greater Yellowstone Area. Free-ranging elk and bison carry the disease, and occasionally transmit it to cattle. Cattle get the disease by sniffing and licking contaminated materials, such as an aborted fetus, birthing tissues, and contaminated soil or forage. Brucella abortus bacteria can survive in the environment for many weeks, especially in cold, dark, damp locations.
Brucellosis is often detected when cull cows are sent to market. If a cow tests positive for brucellosis antibodies in her blood, the herd will be placed under temporary quarantine for additional testing of all reproductive cattle. Any suspect cows are sent to slaughter, so tissues can be tested. If the Brucella bacteria can be grown from the cows’ tissues, the entire herd is placed under a written quarantine. This means the herd will not be allowed to use any pastures that would allow fence-line contact with other herds. The herd is quarantined until all test-eligible cattle pass three consecutive blood-tests. The final test must occur after the herd has finished calving.
Quarantine can be very costly to a producer. The biggest cost typically arises from having to feed hay outside of the usual winter feed-season, particularly if the herd is not allowed to access any pastures for grazing. Several management options are available to producers to reduce the risk of cattle contracting brucellosis.
Management options are outlined in the presentation below, along with annual costs. Producers should weigh the cost of a particular practice against its potential benefit (ie. reduced brucellosis risk), to determine whether it is economically worthwhile. Every operation is unique – facing a different level of brucellosis risk, a different cost of quarantine, and a different cost for particular management activities. The presentation below provides a few examples to help producers estimate their operation’s unique costs and benefits.
Quarantine can be very costly to a producer. The biggest cost typically arises from having to feed hay outside of the usual winter feed-season, particularly if the herd is not allowed to access any pastures for grazing. Several management options are available to producers to reduce the risk of cattle contracting brucellosis.
Management options are outlined in the presentation below, along with annual costs. Producers should weigh the cost of a particular practice against its potential benefit (ie. reduced brucellosis risk), to determine whether it is economically worthwhile. Every operation is unique – facing a different level of brucellosis risk, a different cost of quarantine, and a different cost for particular management activities. The presentation below provides a few examples to help producers estimate their operation’s unique costs and benefits.
UW Extension bulletins on the cost of brucellosis prevention:
Spaying Heifers
Fencing Stackyards
Do you want a better understanding of your herd’s risk of getting brucellosis? Contact Wyoming State Veterinarian Jim Logan at 307-857-4140, or Assistant State Veterinarian Bob Meyer at 307-777-6443. They can help you develop a voluntary and confidential “Herd Plan”.
Spaying Heifers
Fencing Stackyards
Do you want a better understanding of your herd’s risk of getting brucellosis? Contact Wyoming State Veterinarian Jim Logan at 307-857-4140, or Assistant State Veterinarian Bob Meyer at 307-777-6443. They can help you develop a voluntary and confidential “Herd Plan”.
For more information on this topic or specific questions about the economics of brucellosis management, contact Dannele Peck with UW Extension at 307-766-6412.
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