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MSGA holds brucellosis summit
Montana The Montana Stockgrowers Association held a Brucellosis Summit June 8, during their Midyear Meeting in Lewistown. Over 250 producers were in attendance to hear the expert panel that included Dr. Jeanne Rankin (Acting MT State Veterinarian), Dr. Jim Logan (Former WY State Veterinarian), Dr. Greg Ledbetter (ID State Veterinarian), Bruce Malcolm (Livestock Producer & State Representative), Keith Aune (MT Fish, Wildlife and Parks), Dr. Lennis Knight (APHIS Representative), and Dr. Arnold Gertonson (APHIS Representative). The authorities on the subject each offered remarks concerning their experiences with brucellosis. Attendees were then allowed to direct specific questions to each panelist regarding the facts of the recent case and how other states have dealt with the issue. The representatives from Idaho and Wyoming provided much needed information relating to methods they utilized in their respective states as well as shed light on the governor's regionalization proposal. This proposal would involve having a boundary around the Greater Yellowstone Area, which would require increased testing of cattle in hopes of retaining our class free status if a transmission was to occur in this area. Dr. Rankin, Dr. Logan, Dr. Ledbetter, as well as the APHIS representatives, all agreed that the idea of regionalization would be a damaging strategy if implemented. "We would have more infected animals in that zone and would have to make sure the cattle do not leave that zone," said Dr. Arnold Gertonson, APHIS representative. "We would have to look at how it could impact trading with other countries, and the possibility that they would expect the same treatment." Not only is it an expensive and labor-intensive plan, but it would also cause an unnecessary division within the state and would most likely harm the state's export market. To have regionalization in Montana would mean that Montana would first have to have a true outbreak in the area and would also need to have surrounding states comply entirely with the plan. "After hearing from the other veterinarians, I would have to conclude that regionalization is probably not something that helps the issue," said Dr. Dick Raths, chairman of the MSGA Cattle Health, Brand and Theft Committee and mediator of the Summit. "We will have to consider how it effects the industry and how it effects APHIS rules regarding brucellosis eradication." Date: 6/13/07
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