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ND animal health board orders restrictions on Montana cattleBISMARCK, N.D. (AP)--State officials in North Dakota have announced more testing and entry requirements for Montana cattle after an outbreak of brucellosis in that state. The North Dakota Board of Animal Health issued an order May 23, calling it a precaution after seven cows from a ranch near Bozeman were diagnosed with brucellosis. North Dakota has been certified as brucellosis-free since 1982. Dr. Susan Keller, the state veterinarian, said the requirements for cattle from Montana include a health certificate and identification number. Cattle and bison 18 months or older that are capable of reproducing must have tested negative for brucellosis within 30 days of import, she said. The Animal Health Board president, Nathan Boehm of Mandan, said the board will take up the issue against next month. Keller said border counties may be considered for an exemption from the test requirements because of the movement of cattle during grazing season. "There is also an allowance in there for about two counties on the other side of the border or eastern part of Montana, so that our office can look on a case-by-case basis to determine if we can waive that requirement for a brucellosis test for those counties," Keller said. Brucellosis can cause infected cows to abort their offspring. It also causes decreased milk production, weight loss, infertility, and lameness. Keller said the infected Montana animals came from a ranch near Yellowstone National Park, home to bison and elk herds with a high incidence of brucellosis in some areas. Pasteurized milk and properly cooked meat are safe, she said. Date: 5/31/07
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