Cattle Brucellosis:

Experienced cattle breeders know that brucellosis can cause severe losses. The loss of calves is apparent. Not so apparent are losses due to sterility and decreased milk yield. Although important, losses to the livestock industry are not the sole reason we are concerned about brucellosis. There is no doubt as to the existence of a disease in man, commonly known as undulant fever or brucellosis, which is caused by Brucella organisms of animal origin. Scientific evidence indicates that rarely, if ever, does one human contact brucellosis from another human. It appears, therefore, that prevention and control of brucellosis in man is directly dependent upon its control and eradication in domestic animals.

Cattle and swine are tested at slaughter for brucellosis. Suspect animals require additional on farm testing and epidemiology. For years, suspect animals have resulted after administration of Strain 19 vaccine. This has been a problem for cattle producers and animal health officials.

In 1996, the USDA officially recognized and began using a new brucellosis vaccine for vaccinating cattle against the disease. Like Strain-19, the new vaccine, "RB-51," is a live vaccine derived from the cattle brucellosis bacteria, Brucella abortus . Unlike Strain-19; however, RB-51vaccine does not stimulate antibodies that are detected by the standard brucellosis serological tests. Thus the problem of having some brucellosis-vaccinated cattle testing positive has been alleviated. As with Strain-19, the new RB-51 vaccine is to be administered only by state and federal brucellosis program personnel and USDA accredited veterinarians. The vaccination age of heifers is between 4-10 months of age and proper permanent identification is required of all vaccinated cattle. Permanent identification consists of applying an official USDA brucellosis eartag and official ear tattoo to each vaccinated animal.

Useful  Links:

Veterinary Services - Brucellosis

Monitoring, Treating Brucellosis in Bison