USAHA passes resolution to regionalize GYA for brucellosis
The Northern Ag Network continued coverage of the USAHA, reporting that the U.S. Animal Health Association finished their meeting yesterday and the association approved a resolution to regionalize brucellosis in the Greater Yellowstone Area in Montana, Wyoming and Idaho. USDA is required to respond to the group.
According to Northern Ag’s report,The resolution has 5 key concepts:
1 – We must recognize that the level of risk for brucellosis exposure varies geographically in each state in the GYA.
2 – We must implement and enhance traceability and have more rigorous testing for brucellosis.
3 – Additional cases must be allowed to be found in the GYA without it affecting the free status of the state.
4 – Advancements in the elimination of brucela abortus need to be made to eradicate brucellosis from the wildlife.
5 – We need to support funding for these efforts.
According to Dr. Zaluski, Montana State Veterinarian, the border of a buffer zone around Yellowstone National Park would be determined by a joint effort between the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service and the states. Producers in this area will be required to undergo more intensive management of their livestock.
Visit http://www.northernbroadcasting.com/stories_detail.asp?ID=1281 to read the Northern Ag Network’s report and hear audio from Zaluski.
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About Author
The Montana Stockgrowers Association, a non-profit membership organization, has worked on behalf of Montana’s cattle ranching families since 1884. Our mission is to protect and enhance Montana ranch families’ ability to grow and deliver safe, healthy, environmentally wholesome beef to the world.
Ariel Overstreet
What will this mean for the draft brucellosis action plan that was presented by DOL? What will the consequences be for producers who live in that area? Will they be discriminated against in the marketplace? What will be done to address the disease in wildlife? Will this separate region allow for increased tolerance of diseased wildlife, or will it force the federal and state agencies to actually deal with the root of the problem? How can we protect producers and maintain livestock grazing in this area?
10:45 am - October 31, 2008