TORRINGTON (WNE) — The Wyoming Livestock Board announced last week that a brucellosis-affected herd was identified in Sublette County through routine annual surveillance testing. 

Laboratory confirmation was completed at the Wyoming State Veterinary Laboratory in Laramie and validated by the National Veterinary Services Laboratory in Ames, Iowa.

The affected herd is located within Wyoming’s Brucellosis Designated Surveillance Area and is now under quarantine. 

With this detection, the WLSB currently has two herds under quarantine for brucellosis, with one herd each in Park County and Sublette County.

Brucellosis is a bacterial disease that causes abortion in cattle, elk and bison. In humans, infection results in recurring fever and other symptoms. The disease represents a significant concern for both livestock producers and public health officials across Wyoming.

Testing efforts involve a collaborative approach including herd owners, private veterinary practitioners, WLSB personnel and United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Veterinary Services personnel.

Wyoming requires brucellosis surveillance for specified cattle within the DSA. Testing must occur prior to animals leaving the DSA and within 30 days prior to change of ownership. 

Wyoming’s comprehensive brucellosis mitigation program includes both testing and vaccination components. The state requires sexually intact heifers to be vaccinated for brucellosis by 1 year of age. Additionally, heifers residing in Wyoming’s DSA and eligible for brucellosis vaccination (4 months of age or older) must receive vaccination by Feb. 1 each year.

Livestock owners and veterinary professionals seeking additional details about brucellosis may contact the Wyoming Livestock Board at 307-777-7515 or email lsbbru-cellosis-mitigation@wyo.gov. Wyoming State Veterinarian Dr. Hallie Hasel is available at 307-840-1389.