United States

Department of

Agriculture

Animal and

Plant Health

Inspection

Service

APHIS 91–45–013

Brucellosis 

Eradication:

Uniform Methods and Rules,

Effective October 1, 2003
2 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits 

discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of 

race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, 

political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital or family 

status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) 

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for 

communication of program information (Braille, large print, 

audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 

720–2600 (voice and TDD). 

To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, 

Office of Civil Rights, Room 326–W, Whitten Building, 14th and 

Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250–9410 or call 

(202) 720–5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity 

provider and employer. 

Mention of companies or commercial products does not imply 

recommendation or endorsement by USDA over others not mentioned. 

USDA neither guarantees nor warrants the standard of any product 

mentioned. Product names are mentioned solely to report 

factually on available data and to provide specific information. 

Issued October 2003 

This publication supersedes “Brucellosis Eradication: Uniform 

Methods and Rules, Effective February 1, 1998,” APHIS 91–45–011, 

which was published in March 1998. 
3 

Contents 

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Chapter 1. General Provisions—Cattle and Bison . . . . . . . 10 

Part I. Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 

 Accredited veterinarian 

 Adjacent herd 

 Animal classification—cattle and/or bison 

 Animal health veterinarian 

 Approved action plan 

 Approved intermediate handling facility 

 Approved Brucella vaccine 

 Approved test 

 Area 

 Auction 

 Auctioneer 

 Bison 

 Brucellosis 

 Brucellosis-exposed cattle and/or bison 

 Cattle 

 Certificate 

 Certified Brucellosis-Free Herd 

Director, National Animal Health Programs 

 Class Free State or Area 

 Class A State or Area 

 Class B State or Area 

 Commission firm 

 Commission sales 

Cooperative State–Federal Brucellosis Eradication 

 Program 

 Dairy cattle 

 Dealer 

 Deputy Administrator 

 Designated Brucellosis Epidemiologist 

 Direct movement 

 Epidemiologist 

 Epidemiology 

 Feedlot—cattle and/or bison 

 Finished-fed cattle and/or bison 

 First-point testing 

Greater Yellowstone Interagency Brucellosis Committee 

 (GYIBC) 

 Herd 

 Herd blood test—cattle and/or bison 

 Herd known to be affected—cattle and/or bison 
4 

 Herd not known to be affected 

 Herd of origin of cattle and/or bison 

 Individual herd plan 

 Livestock market 

 Market Cattle Identification (MCI) test cattle or bison 

 Market Cattle Identification (MCI) reactors 

 Official brand inspection certificate 

 Official brand recording agency 

 Official eartag 

 Official seal 

 Official test 

 Official vaccinate (adult) 

 Official vaccinate (calfhood) 

 Parturient 

 Permit 

 Permit for entry 

 Person 

 Postparturient 

 Presumptive test 

 Quarantined feedlot 

 Quarantined pasture 

 Recognized slaughter establishment 

 “S”-brand permit 

 “S”-branded cattle or bison 

 Specifically approved stockyard 

 State 

 State animal health official 

 State-approved livestock market 

 State-Federal laboratories 

 State or Federal representative 

 Successful case closure 

Successful traceback of Market Cattle and/or Bison 

Identification (MCI) reactors 

 Supplemental tests 

 Test-eligible cattle and/or bison 

 Untested test-eligible cattle and/or bison 

 Veterinarian-in-Charge 

 Veterinary Services 

 Veterinary Services representative 

 Whole-herd vaccination 

Part II. Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 

 1. Administrative Procedures . . . . . . . . . . 27 

 A. Supervision of the Cooperative State–Federal 

Brucellosis Eradication Program 

 B. Entering Premises 

 C. Providing Services to Livestock Owners 

 D. Reporting Brucellosis Activities 

 E. Notifying the Community of Brucellosis-Affected 
5 

Herds, Quarantined Feedlots, and Quarantined 

Pastures 

 F. Herd Depopulation 

 G. Dealers—Registration and Recordkeeping 

 H. Exceptions to the Deadlines 

 I. Administrative Review of Program Activities 

and Progress 

 J. Appointing Designated Brucellosis Epidemiologists 

 2. Procedures for Vaccination . . . . . . . . . . 31 

 A. Whole-Herd Vaccination Plan (Adult Vaccination) 

 B. Official Vaccinates 

 C. Identifying Vaccinates 

 3. Testing Requirements .. . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 

 A. Cattle and Bison 

 B. Identifying Tested Animals 

 C. Requesting a Retest 

 D. Retesting Affected Herds 

 4. Laboratory and Testing Procedures .. . . . . . 38 

 A. Laboratories 

 B. Diagnostic Reagents for Brucellosis 

 C. Using the Tests & Recording Results—Cattle 

 and Bison 

 5. Procedures for Moving Restricted Cattle 

 and Bison . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 

 A. Permits 

 B. Movement of Restricted Animals 

 6. Procedures for Handling Affected or 

 Restricted Herds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 

A. Quarantines 

B. Quarantined Feedlot 

C. Quarantined Pastures 

D. Approved Bison Quarantine Facilities 

E. Individual Herd Plan 

F. Herd Depopulation 

G. Retesting Reactors 

H. Reclassifying Reactors 

I. Cleaning and Disinfection 

J. Identifying Reactor Cattle and Bison 

K. Identifying Exposed Cattle and Bison 

L. Identifying Suspects 

M. Identifying Untested Test-Eligible Cattle 

 and Bison 

N. Identifying Spayed Heifers 
6 

7. Epidemiologic Procedures. . . . . . . . . . . 66 

A. Epidemiologic Services 

B. Adjacent Herds & Epidemiologic Traced Herd 

 Testing 

C. Individual Herd Plan 

D. Traceback and Investigation of Reactors 

E. Traceback and Investigation of Suspects 

F. Classification of Cattle and Bison 

G. Reclassifying Reactors 

H. Specific Assignments and Responsibilities of a 

 Designated Brucellosis Epidemiologist 

Part III. Participation in Area Plans . . . . . . . . . . 77 

 1. Certification of Areas (Cattle and/or Bison). 77

A. Obtaining Initial Certification Status 

B. Maintaining Certification Status 

C. Terminating Certification Status 

D. Reinstating Certification Status 

E. Federal Quarantines Within Class A States 

F. Two Areas in a State 

Chapter 2. Bovine Brucellosis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

Part I. Certified Brucellosis-Free Herds of Cattle 

 or Bison . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81 

 1. Qualifying Methods . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

A. Brucellosis Milk Surveillance Test (BMST) B. Complete Herd Blood Test 

C. Purchasing a Certified Brucellosis-Free Herd 

 2. Conditions for Certifying the Herd . . . . . 82

A. Animals Included in Certification 

B. Duration of Status 

C. Testing Period 

D. Animal Infection Rates 

E. Suspects 

F. Herd Status If Infection Occurs 

G. Movement of Cattle and Bison Into a Certified 

Brucellosis-Free Herd 

H. Movement of Cattle or Bison Onto Premises With a 

Certified Brucellosis-Free Herd 

I. Recognition of Certified Brucellosis-Free Herds 
7 

Part II. Class Free Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85

 1. Size of Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85 

 

 A. Legislative Authority 

 B. Regulatory Authority 

 C. Resources 

 D. Method 

 2. Duration of Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85 

 

 3. Standards To Attain and Maintain Class 

 Free Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88 

 A. Surveillance 

B. Herd Infection Rate 

C. MCI Reactor Cases Closed Successfully 

 D. Complying With This Uniform Methods and Rules 

 4. Movement of Cattle and Bison on Change of 

 Ownership Within and From Class Free States or 

 Areas for Certain Purposes . . . . . . . . . .. 93

 A. Cattle and Bison Exempt From Testing 

 Requirements 

 B. For Feeding 

 C. For Immediate Slaughter 

 D. For Breeding 

 E. Calves From Affected Herds 

 F. Rodeo Bulls 

Part III. Class A Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96

 1. Size of Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96

A. Legislative Authority 

B. Regulatory Authority 

C. Resources 

D. Method 

2. Duration of Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97

3. Standards To Attain and Maintain 

 Class A Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98

A. Surveillance 

B. Herd Infection Rate 

C. MCI Reactor Cases Closed Successfully 

D. Complying With This Uniform Methods and Rules 
8 

4. Movement of Cattle and Bison Within and From 

 Class A States or Areas for Certain Purposes . 103 

A. Cattle and Bison Exempt From Testing 

 Requirements 

B. For Feeding 

C. For Immediate Slaughter 

D. For Breeding 

E. Calves From Affected Herds 

F. Rodeo Bulls 

Part IV. Class B Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108

 1. Size of Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108

 A. Legislative Authority 

 B. Regulatory Authority 

 C. Resources 

 D. Method 

 2. Duration of Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109 

 

 3. Standards To Attain and Maintain 

 Class B Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110

A. Surveillance 

B. Herd Infection Rate 

C. MCI Reactor Cases Closed Successfully 

D. Complying With This Uniform Methods and Rules 

 4. Movement of Cattle and Bison Within and From 

 Class B States or Areas for Certain Purposes. . 115

A. Cattle and Bison Exempt From Testing 

 Requirements 

B. For Feeding 

C. For Immediate Slaughter 

D. For Breeding 

E. Calves from Affected Herds 

F. Testing at First Point of Concentration 

G. Rodeo Bulls 

Part V. States or Areas not having at least Class B status (No 

Status) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . 121
9 

Introduction

This publication—Brucellosis Eradication: Uniform Methods and 

Rules (UM&R)—includes the minimum standards of the Cooperative 

State–Federal Brucellosis Eradication Program. These UM&R 

contain minimum standards for certifying herds, classifying 

States and areas, and detecting, controlling, and eradicating 

brucellosis, as well as minimum brucellosis requirements for the 

intrastate and interstate movement of cattle and bison. 

This publication is divided into two chapters that are further 

subdivided into parts. Chapter 1 deals with general provisions 

for cattle and/or bison. Part I of chapter 1 contains 

definitions. Part II covers procedures used in the Cooperative 

State–Federal Brucellosis Eradication Program, and part III 

explains participation in area plans. 

Chapter 2 deals with all of the classifications of herds and 

areas for bovine brucellosis: Certified Brucellosis-Free Herds 

(part I), Class Free Status (part II), Class A Status (part III), 

and Class B Status (part IV). 

The provisions of these UM&R were approved by the U.S. Department 

of Agriculture (USDA), Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service 

(APHIS), Veterinary Services (VS). These UM&R may be amended in 

the future by replacing pages or by adding new pages. 
10 

Chapter 1, General Provisions—Cattle and Bison

Part I. Definitions

Accredited veterinarian 

A veterinarian approved by the Deputy Administrator of VS, APHIS, 

USDA, in accordance with provisions of part 161, title 9, Code of 

Federal Regulations (CFR). The veterinarian is accredited to 

perform certain functions of Federal and cooperative State–

Federal programs. The accredited veterinarian is authorized to 

perform specified activities under the Cooperative State–Federal 

Brucellosis Eradication Program. 

Adjacent herd 

A herd of cattle and/or bison that occupies a premises that 

borders a herd known to be affected with brucellosis (this 

includes herds separated by roads or fordable streams) or a 

premises located within a specified area of a herd known to be 

affected or a premises that was previously occupied by a herd 

known to be affected within a stated period of time. The 

applicable period will be determined by the designated 

brucellosis epidemiologist. In all States, the specified area 

will be at least 1 mile from the fenceline perimeter of the herd 

known to be affected unless the designated brucellosis 

epidemiologist approves a variance. 

Animal classification—cattle and/or bison

1. Negative—cattle and/or bison are classified as brucellosis 

negative: 

a. when their blood serum has been subjected to official 

serologic tests and the test results fail to disclose 

evidence of Brucella infection, and

b. if blood, milk, or tissues are subjected to bacteriologic 

methods for cultivating field-strain Brucella and none 

are recovered. In short, for an animal to be classified 

as negative, all procedures that are performed must fail 

to disclose evidence of brucellosis. 

2. Suspect—Cattle and/or bison are classified as suspects when 

their blood serum has been subjected to official tests and 

the test results suggest infection but are inconclusive. If 

bacteriologic methods to cultivate Brucella from blood, milk, 

or tissues were used, they did not yield field strain 

Brucella. 

3. Reactor—Cattle and/or bison are classified as reactors when 

their blood serum has been subjected to official tests and 

the test results indicate that the animal has been exposed to 

and infected with Brucella. Cattle and/or bison are also 
11 

classified as reactors in the absence of significant 

serologic test results when other diagnostic methods, such as 

bacteriologic methods, result in the recovery of field-strain 

Brucella organisms, or a significant rise in the serologic 

titer occurs, or when other epidemiologic evidence of 

infection is demonstrated. 

Animal health veterinarian 

A veterinarian employed on a full-time basis by the State animal 

health official, APHIS–VS, the county, or other local 

municipality and given the authority to perform activities in the 

Cooperative State–Federal Brucellosis Eradication Program. 

Approved action plan (also see Individual herd plan) 

The document describing the steps and timetable that will be 

followed by State or Federal animal health personnel to determine 

the status of a herd suspected of being affected with brucellosis 

because of positive brucellosis milk surveillance test (BMST) or 

market cattle inspection (MCI) test results or epidemiologic 

evidence of direct or indirect contact with an infected animal. 

Approved intermediate handling facility 

A premises specifically approved by both the Deputy Administrator 

of VS, APHIS, USDA, and the State Veterinarian for the purpose of 

receiving and handling cattle and bison for release to recognized 

slaughtering establishments or quarantined feedlots. 

1. Cattle and/or bison may be held at an approved intermediate 

handling facility for a maximum of 7 days and must not change 

ownership during that time. 

2. No cattle and/or bison except those moved directly from a 

farm of origin may be permitted to enter an approved 

intermediate handling facility unless they are accompanied by 

a permit or “S”-brand permit. 

3. Cattle and/or bison transported in vehicles closed with 

official seals are prohibited from entering such a facility. 

4. No cattle and/or bison may leave an approved intermediate 

handling facility unless they are accompanied by a permit or 

“S”-brand permit that lists a recognized slaughtering 

establishment or quarantined feedlot as the point of 

destination. 

5. To qualify for and retain approval, a facility must be 

separate and apart from livestock handling facilities for 

breeding cattle and bison and meet the same standards for 

facilities and records as a specifically approved stockyard. 
12 

6. Serviceable equipment for cleaning and disinfecting must be 

furnished and maintained with adequate disinfectant. 

7. Each entrance and exit to a facility must prominently display 

a sign stating, “ALL CATTLE AND/OR BISON ENTERING THIS 

FACILITY MUST GO DIRECTLY TO SLAUGHTER OR TO A QUARANTINED 

FEEDLOT.” 

8. Any document relating to animals that are or have been in the 

facility must be maintained by the facility for at least 1 

year. 

9. State and USDA representatives must be granted, at reasonable 

hours, access to all documents required to be maintained, and 

they have the authority to reproduce such documents upon 

request. 

Approved Brucella vaccine 

A Brucella abortus product that is approved by the Deputy 

Administrator of APHIS VS for use in the Brucellosis Eradication 

Program and produced under license of USDA for injection into 

cattle and/or bison to enhance their resistance to brucellosis. 

Approved test 

A test that has been reviewed and approved by the Deputy 

Administrator of APHIS VS for use as an official, presumptive, or 

supplemental test. 

Area 

That portion of any State, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, 

the U.S. Virgin Islands, or Guam that has a separate brucellosis 

classification.

Auction 

A public sale of livestock to the highest bidder. 
13 

Auctioneer 

A person who sells or makes a business of selling livestock at 

auction. 

Bison 

All animals in the genus Bison, regardless of age or gender. 

Brucellosis 

An infectious disease of animals and humans caused by bacteria of 

the genus Brucella. The disease is characterized by abortion and 

impaired fertility in its principal animal hosts. Usually, 

Brucella abortus is associated with the disease in cattle and/or 

bison, Brucella suis with the disease in swine, and Brucella

melitensis with the disease in sheep and goats. Under 

appropriate conditions, however, brucellosis may be caused in one 

species by a Brucella organism normally associated with other 

host species. 

Brucellosis-exposed cattle and/or bison 

All cattle and/or bison, regardless of the blood test results 

(except for brucellosis reactors), that are part of a known 

affected herd or are in a quarantined feedlot or a quarantined 

pasture or that have been in contact with brucellosis reactors in 

marketing channels for a period of 24 hours or more or for a 

period of less than 24 hours if the reactor has recently aborted 

or calved or has a vaginal or uterine discharge. Brucellosissuspect cattle and/or bison are also considered to be exposed. 

Cattle 

All bovine animals (dairy and beef) in the genus Bos, regardless 

of age or gender. 

Certificate 

A. An official document issued by a VS representative, State 

representative, or accredited veterinarian at the point of 

origin of a shipment of cattle or bison. It includes all of 

the following: 

1. The official eartag number for each animal, or each 

individual animal's registration tattoo, registration 
14 

 brand, or the registration number of a breed association 

recognized by VS; 

2. The number of animals covered by the document; 

3. The purpose for which the animals are to be moved; 

4. The points of origin and destination; 

5. The consignor; and 

6. The consignee. 

B. Ownership brands may be used as identification on 

certificates for cattle and bison being shipped interstate to 

States where official tests for brucellosis and other 

official tests are not required, provided that the ownership 

brands are registered with the official brand recording 

agency in the State of origin and that the cattle and bison 

are accompanied by official brand inspection certificates. 

Certified Brucellosis-Free Herd 

A herd of cattle or bison that has qualified for and has been 

issued a Certified Brucellosis-Free Herd certificate signed by 

both the appropriate State animal health official and by the 

APHIS, VS, Area Veterinarian-in-Charge (AVIC). 

The Certified Brucellosis-Free Herd status is valid for 12 months 

unless evidence of brucellosis is disclosed or the herd 

participates in a whole-herd vaccination plan. In the last case, 

the herd status is suspended until postvaccination testing 

confirms the herd's negative standing. 

Director, National Center for Animal Health Programs (NCAHP) 

The veterinarian in the NCAHP, VS, APHIS, USDA, who is responsible for staff field support activities associated with the 

Federal Government's participation in the Cooperative State–

Federal Brucellosis Eradication Program. 

Class Free State or Area 

A State or an area within a State that meets the classification 

standards for Class Free brucellosis status and that has been 

certified as fulfilling the requirements of this status on 

initial classification or reclassification by the State animal 

health official, the APHIS AVIC, and the Deputy Administrator of 

VS, APHIS, USDA. Included among the requirements for Class Free 

status are that the cattle and/or bison herds in the State or 

area within the State must have remained free from infections 

with field strains of Brucella abortus for at least 12 months. 

All cattle and/or bison herds in which field-strain Brucella 
15 

abortus was known to exist must be legally released from 

quarantine before the area or State can be certified. In 

addition, all herds of other species of domestic livestock in 

which field-strain Brucella abortus has been found or suspected 

must be tested negative, slaughtered, or quarantined, leaving no 

known focus of infection in any domestic species uncontrolled at 

the time of certification. The percentage of cases successfully 

closed for the previous 12 months must be at least 95 percent. 

Class A State or Area 

A State or an area within a State that meets the classification 

standards for Class A status and that has been certified as 

fulfilling the requirements of this status on initial 

classification or reclassification by the State animal health 

official, by the APHIS AVIC, and by the Deputy Administrator of 

VS, APHIS, USDA. Two of the requirements for Class A status are 

that the infection rate for cattle and bison herds may not exceed 

0.1 percent during the previous 12 months and that the successful 

case closure (SCC) percentage for the previous 12-month period 

must be at least 95 percent. 

Class B State or Area 

A State or an area within a State that meets the classification 

standards for Class B status and that has been certified as 

fulfilling the requirements of this status on initial 

classification or reclassification by the State animal health 

official, by the APHIS AVIC, and by the Deputy Administrator of 

VS, APHIS, USDA. Two of the requirements for Class B status are 

that the infection rate for cattle and bison herds may not exceed 

1.00 percent during the previous 12 months and that the SCC 

percentage must be at least 90 percent during the previous 12 

months. 

Commission firm 

A person, partnership, or corporation that buys and sells 

livestock as a third party and reports details of the 

transactions to the seller and/or to the buyer. The term 

includes such persons or organizations whether or not they charge 

a fee for the service. 
16 

Commission sales 

Sales conducted by a third party who reports details of the 

transaction to the seller, the buyer, or both. 

Cooperative State–Federal Brucellosis Eradication Program 

The Cooperative State–Federal Brucellosis Eradication Program, 

also referred to as the Brucellosis Eradication Program or simply 

the Program for convenience in this publication, is administered 

under a memorandum of understanding between the appropriate 

agency in each of the States and USDA. This Program includes all 

of the activities associated with detecting, controlling, and 

eliminating brucellosis from domestic livestock in the United 

States. The minimum standards for operating a Cooperative State–

Federal Brucellosis Eradication Program within a State are 

contained in this publication (APHIS 91-45-013), “Brucellosis 

Eradication: Uniform Methods and Rules.” These UM&R are 

reviewed by representatives of the livestock industry and the 

appropriate State and Federal agencies annually and are revised 

as needed and published by USDA–APHIS. 

Dairy cattle 

Bovine animals of a recognized dairy breed. 

Dealer 

1. Any persons who engage in the business of buying and/or 

selling livestock in commerce, either for their own account 

or as an employee or agent of the seller or buyer; or 

2. Any person who engages in the business of buying and/or 

selling livestock in commerce on a commission basis. 

The term “dealer” does not include persons who buy or sell 

livestock as part of their own bona fide breeding, feeding, 

dairy, and/or beef operation or who receive livestock exclusively 

for immediate slaughter on their own premises and who do not 

engage in the business of buying, selling, trading, or 

negotiating the transfer of livestock. 

Deputy Administrator 

The Deputy Administrator of VS, APHIS, USDA, or any other VS 

official to whom appropriate authority has been delegated. 
17 

Designated Brucellosis Epidemiologist 

An epidemiologist who has demonstrated the knowledge and ability 

to perform the functions required under the standards of this 

UM&R and who has been selected for this position by the State 

animal health official and the APHIS AVIC. Initial training and 

continuing education requirements are outlined in VS Memo 551.10. 

The regional epidemiologist and the VS brucellosis staff must 

concur in the selection and appointment of the designated 

brucellosis epidemiologist. 

Direct movement 

Movement permitted in which the animals are not unloaded en route 

to their final destination, except for slaughter cattle or bison, 

which may be unloaded at only one approved intermediate handling 

facility while en route to slaughter. 

Epidemiologist 

A veterinarian who has received a master's degree in epidemiology 

or who has completed a course of study in epidemiology sponsored 

or approved by VS. 

Epidemiology 

A branch of medical science that deals with the incidence, 

distribution, and control of disease in the animal and human 

population. 

Feedlot—cattle and/or bison 

A confined drylot area for finish feeding of cattle and/or bison 

on concentrated feed with no facilities for pasturing or grazing. 

 Only animals that have met all of the required testing 

provisions at origin and destination are allowed in these 

feedlots. Animals in such a feedlot are considered to be a herd 

and must be handled like those in any other herd if brucellosis 

is suspected or diagnosed. 

Finished-fed cattle and/or bison 

Cattle and/or bison that have been on feed for a sufficient 

period of time to achieve the flesh condition desired by 

slaughter establishments. 
18 

First-point testing 

Subjecting all test-eligible cattle and bison that are moving 

within trade or marketing channels to an official test for 

brucellosis at the first point of concentration. Points of 

concentration are livestock markets, specifically approved 

stockyards, buying stations, assembly points, or feedlots 

receiving cattle and/or bison directly from farms. 

Greater Yellowstone Interagency Brucellosis Committee (GYIBC) 

A committee—comprised of representatives from the States of 

Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, and the United States Departments of 

the Interior and Agriculture—whose mission is to facilitate the 

development and implementation of brucellosis management plans 

for elk and bison in the area in and around Yellowstone National 

 Park while protecting the public interests and economic 

viability of the livestock industry in the three States.

Herd 

1. All animals of the same species, such as cattle and/or bison, 

under common ownership or supervision that are grouped on one 

or more parts of any single premises (lot, farm, or ranch); 

or 

2. All animals of the same species under common ownership or 

supervision on two or more premises that are geographically 

separated but in which the animals have been interchanged or 

had contact with animals from different premises. It will be 

assumed that contact between animals of the same species on 

the different premises has occurred unless the owner 

establishes otherwise and the results of the epidemiologic 

investigation are consistent with the lack of contact between 

premises; or 

3. All animals of the same species on common premises, such as 

community pastures or grazing association units, but owned by 

different persons. Other groups of animals owned by the 

persons involved that are located on other premises are 

considered to be part of a herd unless the epidemiologic 

investigation establishes that animals from an affected herd 

have not had the opportunity for direct or indirect contacts 

with animals from that specific premises. 

The animals in State-approved or federally approved quarantined 

feedlots and quarantined pastures are not considered to be a 

herd. 
19 

Herd blood test—cattle and/or bison 

The herd blood test must include all cattle or bison 6 months of 

age and older, except steers, spayed heifers, official Strain 19 

calfhood vaccinates of the dairy breeds under 20 months of age, 

and official Strain 19 calfhood vaccinates of bison or beef 

breeds under 24 months of age. The presence of the first pair of 

fully erupted permanent incisor teeth is evidence that an animal 

has reached 24 months of age. Official Strain 19 calfhoodvaccinated cattle or bison under these ages must be included in 

the herd test if they are parturient (springers) or have already 

calved. 

Herd known to be affected—cattle and/or bison 

A herd in which any animal has been classified as a brucellosis 

reactor and which has not been released from quarantine. 

Herd not known to be affected 

A herd in which no brucellosis reactor has ever been found or a 

herd in which one or more animals have been classified as 

brucellosis reactors but which has since been released from 

quarantine. 

Herd of origin of cattle and/or bison 

A herd of cattle or bison or any farm or other premises where the 

cattle or bison were born or where they have been kept for 4 

months or more before the date of shipping, provided that cattle 

and/or bison from other premises have not been assembled on the 

farm or premises within 4 months before the date of shipment. 

For the purposes of this UM&R, herd of origin has the same 

meaning as place of origin, premises of origin, and farm of 

origin. 

Individual herd plan (Also see Approved action plan) 

A written herd-management and testing plan that is designed by 

the herd owner, the owner's veterinarian if requested, and a 

State or Federal veterinarian, to control and eradicate 

brucellosis from an affected herd. A similar plan for 

determining the true status of animals suspected to harbor 

Brucella abortus and for preventing exposure to brucellosis 

within the herd is also within the meaning of the term. These 

plans must incorporate the most appropriate veterinary and herdmanagement procedures to control the spread of brucellosis within 

the herd and thereby eradicate the disease from the herd. 
20 

Livestock market (Also see Specifically approved stockyards) 

A place where livestock are assembled for sale. The animals may 

be sold by auction, consignment for commission, or by other means 

of transferring ownership. For the purposes of this UM&R, the 

term “livestock market” includes both specifically approved 

stockyards and State-approved livestock markets. 

Market Cattle Identification (MCI) test cattle or bison 

MCI test cattle or bison are all cows and bulls 2 years of age 

and older slaughtered at a recognized slaughter establishment, 

and all test-eligible cattle or bison moving through livestock 

markets or stockyards. Also, they are those test-eligible cattle 

and/or bison being assembled at farms or ranches and being 

prepared for movement to markets, stockyards, slaughter 

establishments, or other sales, such as consignment or dispersal 

sales. These cattle and/or bison are to be identified by eartag 

and/or backtag to the herd of origin before being moved or at the 

first point of concentration (such as a livestock market or 

slaughter establishment) that they reach in marketing channels. 

Market Cattle Identification (MCI) reactors 

For purposes of State or area classification, MCI reactors are 

defined as MCI tested cattle or bison evaluated using the testing 

and classification procedures described elsewhere in this 

document or have been classified as reactors by a designated 

brucellosis epidemiologist.

Official brand inspection certificate 

A certificate issued by an official brand inspection agency in 

any State in which these certificates are required for moving 

livestock. 

Official brand recording agency 

The duly constituted body elected or appointed that is delegated 

or granted authority by a State to administer laws, regulations, 

ordinances, or rules pertaining to the brand identification of 

livestock. 

Official eartag 

A VS-approved identification eartag (metal, plastic, or other) 

that conforms to the nine-character alphanumeric National Uniform 

Eartagging System. It uniquely identifies each individual animal 

with no duplication of the alphanumeric identification, 

regardless of the materials or colors used. The term includes 

the special orange-colored eartag series used to identify 

calfhood vaccinates. 
21 

Official seal 

A serially numbered metal or plastic strip consisting of a selflocking device on one end and a slot on the other end,that forms 

a loop when the ends are engaged. An official seal is 

tamperproof and cannot be reused if opened. It is applied to the 

doors of a transport vehicle by a representative of the APHIS 

AVIC or the State animal health official. A serially numbered, 

self-locking button that cannot be reused may be substituted for 

the metal or plastic strip type of seal. 

Official test 

An approved test that has been developed to aid in determining 

the presence or absence of blood components associated with field 

strains of Brucella abortus, B.abortus Strain 19, nonspecific 

agglutinins, etc. An official test typically has a higher 

specificity than a presumptive test. Results from official tests 

are used to classify animals as negative, suspect, and/or 

positive and include the card, complement fixation, rivanol, 

standard tube, standard plate, and PCFIA tests and the 

fluorescence polarization assay. Official tests are also known 

as confirmatory tests. 

Official vaccinate (adult) 

A bovine or bison female that, as part of a herd that was 

approved for whole-herd vaccination, was inoculated 

subcutaneously with an approved Brucella vaccine at an age older 

than that permitted for calfhood vaccination. The animal was 

inoculated by a State or Federal representative or an accredited 

veterinarian using the approved procedure. The animal must have 

been tested negative within 10 days before vaccination. At 

vaccination, the animal must have been properly identified as an 

adult vaccinate and must have been reported on the appropriate 

form to the State or Federal animal health agency in that State. 

Official vaccinate (calfhood) 

A bovine or bison female that, as a calf, was inoculated 

subcutaneously with an approved Brucella vaccine between the 

appropriate age limits by a State or Federal representative or an 

accredited veterinarian using the approved vaccination procedure. 

The animal must have been properly identified as vaccinate by 

official eartag and vaccination tattoo and must have been 
22 

reported on the appropriate certificate to the appropriate State 

or Federal animal health agency for that State. 

Parturient 

Visibly prepared to give birth or within 2 weeks before giving 

birth. 

Permit 

An official document (VS Form 1–27 or comparable State form) that 

is issued by a State or Federal representative or by an 

accredited veterinarian. The permit is required to accompany all 

brucellosis reactors and those brucellosis-exposed cattle and/or 

bison that are being moved under official seal during their 

movement to the specified destination. (See chapter 1, part II, 

section 5, Procedures for Moving Restricted Cattle and/or Bison.) 

Permit for entry 

A premovement authorization for cattle and/or bison to enter 

other States or areas. The permit for entry is obtained from the 

animal health official of the State of destination and declares 

the conditions under which movement may be made. It may be oral 

or written. (See chapter 1, part II, section 5, Procedures for 

Moving Restricted Cattle and/or Bison.) 

Person 

Any individual, corporation, company, association, firm, 

partnership, society, joint stock company, or other legal entity. 

Postparturient 

Having already given birth. 

Presumptive test 

An approved test that typically has higher sensitivity than 

official tests and is frequently used to screen large numbers of 

samples at a lower cost. Samples positive on a presumptive test 

must be retested using an official test. Animals testing 

negative on presumptive tests are considered negative. 

Presumptive test are also known as screening tests. The standard 

plate, BAPA, and RAP are examples of presumptive tests. 
23 

Quarantined feedlot 

A confined area under State brucellosis quarantine that has been 

approved by the State animal health official and the APHIS AVIC 

and is maintained for feeding cattle and/or bison of unknown or 

brucellosis-exposed status, with limited provisions (see chapter 

1, part II, section 6B) for pasturing or grazing. All cattle 

and/or bison, except steers and spayed heifers, leaving a 

quarantined feedlot must go to an approved slaughter 

establishment for immediate slaughter or to another quarantined 

feedlot. All cattle and/or bison in a quarantined feedlot are 

considered to be exposed to brucellosis. 

Quarantined pasture 

A designated, confined grazing area under State quarantine, 

approved by the State animal health official, APHIS AVIC, and the 

Deputy Administrator of VS, APHIS, USDA, which is established to 

use available forage for cattle and/or bison of unknown or 

brucellosis-exposed status. The cattle and/or bison must 

originate from the State in which the quarantined pasture is 

located. A quarantined pasture cannot be approved for periods 

exceeding 10 months. All cattle and/or bison in a quarantined 

pasture are considered to be exposed to brucellosis. 

Recognized slaughter establishment 

Any slaughter establishment operating under the provisions of the 

Federal Meat Inspection Act (21 United States Code 601 et seq.)

or a State meat-inspection act. 

“S”-brand permit 

An official document that may be required for certain animals 

that are moved to a quarantined feedlot, a quarantined pasture, a 

slaughter establishment, or an approved stockyard for sale to a 

slaughter establishment. Its purpose is to control the movement 

of untested test-eligible cattle and/or bison and brucellosisexposed cattle and/or bison to restricted destinations. (See 

chapter 1, part II, section 5, Procedures for Moving Restricted 

Cattle and/or Bison.) 

“S”-branded cattle or bison 

Brucellosis-exposed or untested test-eligible cattle and/or bison 

that have been identified by branding the letter "S" with a hot 
24 

iron at least 5 cm × 5 cm (2 × 2 inches) in size high on the 

tailhead (over the fourth to the seventh coccygeal vertebrae). 

Specifically approved stockyard 

 

A stockyard specifically approved for receiving brucellosisrestricted cattle and/or bison. A specifically approved 

stockyard may be approved to handle all classes of cattle and/or 

bison including brucellosis reactors or brucellosis-exposed 

cattle and/or bison. 

State 

Any State of the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto 

Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands. 

State animal health official 

The chief State official responsible for disease control and 

eradication programs affecting livestock and poultry. 

State-approved livestock market 

Any livestock market that has been approved by the State to 

handle cattle, bison, and/or swine under conditions required by 

the Cooperative State–Federal Brucellosis Eradication Program. 

State–Federal laboratories 

State and /or Federal Laboratories approved by both the state and 

USDA/APHIS/VS and authorized to perform specific brucellosis 

serologic tests based on having adequate laboratory facilities, 

testing protocols, and competent personnel as determined by 

proficiency testing. The laboratories may also have the 

capability to perform viability testing of approved vaccines 

and/or isolate Brucella species from milk, blood, and tissues. 

State or Federal representative 

A veterinarian or other person employed in animal health work by 

a State or political subdivision of the State or by APHIS, VS. 

This person is authorized by the State, political subdivision, or 

APHIS to perform animal health activities under a memorandum of 

understanding with USDA. 
25 

Successful case closure (SCC) 

Cases completed on MCI reactors successfully traced to herds of 

origin. Once the trace is successful, a thorough epidemiologic 

investigation must be completed. Based on that investigation, a 

decision must be made whether or not to test the herd of origin. 

If a herd test is conducted, the case is successfully closed. If 

the herd is not tested, the case is considered successfully 

closed if the justification is in compliance with this UM&R. 

Successful traceback of Market Cattle and/or Bison Identification 

(MCI) reactors 

A successful traceback of MCI reactors occurs when the herd of 

origin, as defined, is located and a herd blood test is conducted 

when necessary. When all animals at the premises of origin were 

sold for slaughter, a successful traceback can also be claimed. 

Tracebacks to dealers, commission firms, or other intermediary 

points are not considered successful unless all possible herds of 

origin are located and the herds are tested. 

Supplemental tests 

An approved test that has been developed to aid designated 

brucellosis epidemiologists in better interpreting the results of 

official tests, allowing trained and qualified epidemiologists a 

degree of variance from the diagnostic criteria included in this 

UM&R. Of these, only the card test is an official test, and it 

is official only when used as the sole test on a blood serum 

sample. Other test procedures include the concentration 

immunoassay test (CITE) and the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay 

(ELISA). Other supplemental tests may be added as needed, be 

made available, and may require proficiency testing. Only the 

designated brucellosis epidemiologist may use and interpret 

results of supplemental tests. 

Test-eligible cattle and/or bison 

All cattle and bison 18 months of age and over (as evidenced by 

the loss of the first pair of temporary incisor teeth), except 

steers, spayed heifers, official Strain 19 calfhood vaccinates of 

the dairy breeds under 20 months of age, and official Strain 19 

calfhood vaccinates of bison or beef breeds under 24 months of 

age. (Presence of the first pair of fully erupted permanent 

incisor teeth is evidence that the animal has reached 24 months 

of age.) All cattle or bison that are parturient (springers) or 

postparturient are test eligible regardless of age. 
26 

Untested test-eligible cattle and bison 

Test-eligible cattle and/or bison that have not been tested for 

brucellosis to fulfill brucellosis movement requirements. 

Veterinarian-in-Charge 

The veterinary official of VS, APHIS, USDA, who is assigned by 

the Deputy Administrator of VS to supervise and perform the 

official animal health work of APHIS in the State or States 

concerned. 

Veterinary Services (VS) 

The division of USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service 

in charge of animal health activities within the United States. 

Veterinary Services representative 

A veterinarian or other person employed by VS, APHIS, USDA, who 

is authorized to perform specific activities. 

Whole-herd vaccination 

The vaccination of all female cattle and/or bison 4 months of age 

or over (including animals older than the age for official 

calfhood vaccination), when the entire herd is authorized by the 

State animal health official and by the APHIS AVIC to be 

vaccinated with an approved dose of an approved Brucella vaccine. 
27 

Part II. Procedures

1. Administrative Procedures

A. Supervision of the Cooperative State–Federal Brucellosis 

Eradication Program 

The Cooperative State–Federal Brucellosis Eradication Program 

must be supervised by full-time animal health veterinarians 

employed by the State or the Federal Government. 

B. Entering Premises 

Persons working on the Brucellosis Eradication Program must 

be authorized by the State to enter premises to carry out 

Program procedures. While on those premises, they must use 

sanitary procedures to minimize the risk of physically 

transmitting the disease to other premises. 

C. Providing Services to Livestock Owners 

Program services may be rendered without expense to the 

livestock owner; however, owners are responsible for handling 

their animals. Program administrators may contract with 

accredited veterinarians, paraprofessionals, other State and 

Federal agencies, or the management of privately owned firms, 

as needed, to assist State and Federal animal health 

personnel in collecting blood, milk, or tissue samples, in 

identifying animals, and in performing other specified 

activities. 

D. Reporting Brucellosis Activities 

All brucellosis activities that are conducted privately, or 

under agreements with Program officials—such as performing 

vaccinations or serologic tests for brucellosis—must be 

reported immediately to cooperating agencies and to the herd 

owner. 

E. Notifying the Community of Brucellosis-Affected Herds, 

Quarantined Feedlots, and Quarantined Pastures 

State or Federal officials of the Brucellosis Eradication 

Program will notify herd owners in the immediate community 

about the presence of cattle and/or bison herds that have 

been placed under quarantine for brucellosis. Program 

officials will also notify herd owners in the immediate 

vicinity when the officials approve the establishment of 

quarantined feedlots and quarantined pastures. Herd owners 

are to be notified by means of an educational letter 

delivered in person or by mail within 30 days of the date 

quarantines are issued. The purpose of this notification is 

to emphasize to owners the importance of taking appropriate 
28 

actions to protect their cattle and/or bison against the 

possible spread of brucellosis as the result of the presence 

of an affected herd in their community. Herd owners are also 

to be notified within 30 days by an educational letter 

delivered in person or by mail when the herd is released from 

quarantine or the approval of the quarantined feedlot or the 

quarantined pasture is terminated. 

F. Herd Depopulation 

State or Federal officials of the Brucellosis Eradication 

Program will review cattle and/or bison herds with a high 

rate of brucellosis infection or chronic infection of long 

duration to determine the desirability of depopulating the 

herd with indemnity to the owner. In States that previously 

had been free of brucellosis, all affected herds must be 

reviewed for possible depopulation with indemnity in order to 

reduce the risk of spreading the disease to other herds. 

G. Dealers—Registration and Recordkeeping 

1. The following dealers (individuals or other legal 

entities) of cattle and/or bison must be registered or 

licensed with the appropriate State agency: 

a. Dealers who purchase, deal in, or sell cattle and/or 

bison; 

b. Dealers who act as commission representatives or 

brokers; and 

c. Dealers who operate or conduct an auction where cattle 

and/or bison are sold. 

2. These dealers must maintain records required by the State 

licensing agency to make it possible for State authorities 

to trace back exposed and/or reactor animals to the herd 

of origin or other point of original infection. 

3. Registering dealers—After giving due notice and 

opportunity for hearing to the dealer involved, the State 

animal health agency must have the authority to deny an 

application for registration or to suspend or cancel the 

registration when it is satisfied of either or both of the 

following: 

a. There is adequate evidence to establish that the dealer 

had the intent to violate or circumvent recordkeeping 

requirements of this section and/or other animal health 

regulations; 

b. The dealer has repeatedly demonstrated an unwillingness 

to keep records making it possible to trace back to the 

point of origin those exposed or reactor cattle or 
29 

bison he or she has handled. 

4. Keeping records—Each registered or licensed dealer must 

keep records on all test-eligible cattle and/or bison 

purchased for resale sufficient to enable the State animal 

health agency to satisfactorily trace back those animals 

to their herd of origin. The records must be kept for a 

minimum of 2 years. 

5. Dealing with violations—Provisions must exist so that 

State animal health officials can institute any action at 

law or in equity that appears necessary to enforce 

compliance with dealer registration and recordkeeping 

requirements under this UM&R. Possible actions include 

the authority to subpoena appropriate records and/or 

persons who allegedly violate these minimum standards. 

The appropriate State officials must also have authority 

to petition the local court that has jurisdiction for an 

order to enforce these subpoenas. 

6. Reviewing laws and regulations—States with existing brand 

inspection laws, rules, and/or regulations may not need to 

develop new laws and regulations governing dealer 

registration and recordkeeping if brucellosis-exposed 

and/or reactor cattle and/or bison are being traced to 

their herd(s) of origin or point(s) of original infection. 

 Representatives of the Director, NCAHP, VS, APHIS, USDA, 

will evaluate the scope of the State brand inspection 

laws, rules, and regulations and their effectiveness in 

accomplishing the traceback objective. Based upon this 

review, the Director of NCAHP will determine if new laws 

or rules are needed to satisfy these objectives. 

H. Exceptions to the Deadline(s) 

Program officials must follow deadlines for the herd plan, 

investigation, and testing (see chapter 2, parts II–IV) 

except when a designated brucellosis epidemiologist 

determines that there are extenuating circumstances. The 

extenuating circumstances must make it impossible to meet the 

deadline established for a particular herd. The designated 

brucellosis epidemiologist must immediately set a new 

deadline in consultation with the herd owner or his or her 

representative, to accomplish the required testing at the 

earliest opportunity. The new deadline must be consistent 

with the principles of brucellosis eradication. 

I. Administrative Review of Program Activities and Progress 

An administrative review of a State's brucellosis program may 

involve any or all of the following: 

1. VS personnel will conduct ongoing reviews at the local and 
30 

national levels by receiving and examining routine written 

monthly, annual, and other statistical and narrative 

reports that have been prepared and submitted by State 

and/or Federal animal health officials in each of the 

States; 

2. The Director of NCAHP, VS, will monitor the results of 

existing State policies and procedures for controlling and 

eradicating brucellosis by examining factors such as the 

prevalence of infection in that State; 

3. Representatives of the Director of NCAHP evaluate the 

information provided by the various States in special 

reports regarding the authorities and the policies for 

implementing the various minimum standards of these UM&R; 

4. Regional Directors, regional epidemiologists, and staff 

personnel of VS will visit the various States to observe 

program procedures and to make general or specific program 

evaluations; and 

5. Special evaluation teams comprised of several individuals 

representing State, Federal, and/or industry and academic 

interests will make visits to designated States in order 

to make limited or comprehensive reviews of the 

Brucellosis Eradication Program. 

J. Appointing Designated Brucellosis Epidemiologists 

A designated brucellosis epidemiologist must be selected 

jointly by the cooperating State animal health official and 

the APHIS AVIC and approved by the regional epidemiologist 

and the brucellosis staff of the NCAHP, VS, APHIS. Only 

those persons with the prerequisite brucellosis epidemiology 

training, experience, and interest will be appointed to this 

position. 

2. Procedures for Vaccination

A. Whole-Herd Vaccination Plan (Adult Vaccination) 

Under this plan, a blood test of samples from each animal in 

the herd is followed by vaccination of the nonreacting female 

cattle and/or bison. The animals are to be vaccinated within 

10 days after the blood test is completed. All animals 

included on the blood test must be identified with official 

eartags or other UM&R-approved identification. All 

brucellosis reactors must be isolated until removed from the 

premises. A whole-herd vaccination plan will be used in 

Class Free States or areas only if the chief State animal 

health official and the Deputy Administrator of VS, APHIS, 

USDA, specifically approve it on a herd-by-herd basis. 
31 

1. Affected herds—In affected herds, the individual herd plan 

may include whole-herd vaccination in addition to other 

recognized procedures for controlling and eliminating the 

disease. Whole-herd vaccination may be initiated only 

when the herd owner receives written permission from the 

State and Federal officials directly responsible for 

Program activities in the State where the herd is located. 

All animals that are vaccinated as adults under these 

circumstances must be identified using an official eartag 

and a brand or tattoo (see the section “Identifying 

Vaccinates”). The initial herd blood test following 

whole-herd vaccination should be done in 2 months or as 

early as possible in order to make it easier to eliminate 

field-strain infection (see chapter 1, part II, section 

7E, subparagraph 1). Test and slaughter procedures for 

affected herds must resume within 6 months after the 

initial whole-herd vaccination. Testing will take place 

at the intervals agreed to in the individual herd plan. 

During the 48 months following the initial whole-herd 

vaccination, replacement animals that have a negative test 

within 10 days before entering the herd may be adultvaccinated if this is needed and if the procedure is 

included in the individual herd plan. 

a. Beef cattle and/or bison herds—Beef cattle and/or bison 

herds that are affected with brucellosis and that have 

participated in a whole-herd vaccination plan (“AV” 

herds) may be released from quarantine after at least 

three consecutive whole-herd blood tests that failed to 

disclose reactors. The first test must be 30–60 days, 

the second test 180–210 days, and the third test 365 

days or more after all reactors have been removed from 

the herd. All calves in an affected herd are included 

under the herd quarantine restrictions. These calves 

may be moved only if they comply with the movement 

requirements outlined in chapter 2, parts II.4, III.4, 

or IV.4, as applicable for States in each brucellosis 

classification. These requirements are the same as 

those for release of quarantine in other brucellosisaffected herds. An additional herd blood test is 

recommended 6–12 months or more after the herd has been 

released from quarantine. 

b. Dairy herds—All of the requirements for beef herds 

and/or bison also apply to dairy herds participating in 

a whole-herd vaccination plan (“AV” herds). In 

addition, dairy herds must be negative on the last herd 

brucellosis milk surveillance test (BMST). Any “AV” 

dairy herd in this plan that is released from 

quarantine but that continues to be suspicious on the 

herd BMST must be evaluated by the designated 

brucellosis epidemiologist and monitored with further 

testing whenever necessary to ensure that there is no 
32 

evidence of infection with field strains of Brucella 

abortus.

2. Herds not known to be affected—Persons who own cattle 

and/or bison herds that are at high risk of becoming 

infected with brucellosis may also request whole-herd 

vaccination. An individual herd plan that specifies the 

whole-herd vaccination procedures to be used must be 

developed and agreed to. The plan should also include 

other recognized procedures for preventing the 

introduction of brucellosis into the herd and for 

controlling its spread if it does occur. Whole-herd 

vaccination may be initiated only if the owner receives 

written permission from the State and Federal officials 

directly responsible for Program activities in the State 

where the herd is located. As part of this plan, all 

eligible calves must be calfhood-vaccinated and identified 

as described in section C, “Identifying Vaccinates.” 

All female cattle and/or bison vaccinated as adults under 

these circumstances must be identified using an official 

eartag and a brand or tattoo as described in section C, 

“Identifying Vaccinates.” 

B. Official Vaccinates 

1. Official calfhood vaccinate—To be an official calfhood 

vaccinate, the vaccinated bovine or bison calf must be 

a. Female and

b. Vaccinated with an approved Brucella vaccine and

c. Vaccinated by a State or Federal animal health 

representative or an accredited veterinarian and

d. Permanently identified as a calfhood vaccinate as 

described in subsection C, “Identifying Vaccinates,” 

and

e. Reported at the time of vaccination by submitting a 

completed VS Form 1–24 or VS Form 1–26 or comparable 

form to the appropriate State or Federal animal health 

agency in that State and

f. Vaccinated between 4 months and 1 year of age (120 

through 365 days) and

g. Given a subcutaneous 2-mL dose of Brucella abortus 

Strain 19 vaccine containing at least 2.7 billion and 

not more than 10 billion live organisms (the optimum 

dose is 5 billion live organisms administered while the 

calf is at the optimum age of 5 months) or
33 

h. Given a subcutaneous 2-mL dose of Brucella abortus 

Strain RB51 vaccine containing at least 10 billion and 

not more than 34 billion live organisms, or

i. Vaccinated before December 31, 1984, and have met the 

age and vaccine dose requirements for official 

vaccination in the State where it was located at the 

time of vaccination. 

2. Official adult vaccinate—To be an official adult 

vaccinate, the vaccinated animal must be 

a. Part of a herd approved for whole-herd vaccination at 

the time of vaccination, and

b. Female cattle and/or bison vaccinated at an older age 

than the maximum age approved for calfhood vaccination, 

and

c. Tested negative within 10 days before vaccination, and

d. Vaccinated subcutaneously with an approved 2-mL dose of 

Brucella abortus Strain 19 vaccine containing between 

300 million and 1 billion live organisms. (The optimum 

dose is 500 million live organisms.) If the animal was 

vaccinated before August 15, 1983, the vaccine must 

have contained between 300 million and 3 billion live 

organisms, or

e. Vaccinated subcutaneously with an approved 2-mL dose of 

Brucella abortus Strain RB51 vaccine containing at 

least 1 billion live organisms, and

f. Vaccinated by a State or Federal animal health 

representative or by an accredited veterinarian as 

instructed by the State animal health official and the 

APHIS AVIC, and

g. Identified as an official adult vaccinate as described 

in Section C, and

h. Reported on the appropriate forms as an adult vaccinate 

to the State or Federal animal health agency for that 

State. 

C. Identifying Vaccinates 

1. Official calfhood vaccinates—Calfhood-vaccinated animals 

must be permanently identified as vaccinates by tattoo and 

by official vaccination eartag. If the animal is already 

identified with an official eartag before vaccination, an 

additional official eartag is not required. Vaccination 
34 

tattoos must be applied to the right ear. For Brucella 

abortus Strain 19 vaccinates, the tattoo will include the 

U.S. Registered Shield and “V,” which will be preceded by 

a number indicating the quarter of the year and followed 

by a number corresponding to the last digit of the year in 

which the vaccination was done. For Brucella abortus 

Strain RB51 vaccinates, the tattoo will include the U.S. 

Registered Shield and “V,” which will be preceded by a 

letter R and followed by a number corresponding to the 

last digit of the year in which the vaccination was done. 

Official vaccination (orange) eartags must be applied to 

the right ear. The eartag will include the State prefix 

and a V, followed by two letters and four numbers that 

individually identify each vaccinated animal. States in 

which a complete series of official vaccination eartags 

(VAA through VZZ) is used in less than 15 years will use a 

supplemental series of official vaccination eartags to 

avoid duplicating animal identification. The supplemental 

eartag series will use the two-digit State prefix, 

followed by the letters “T” or “S,” followed by two 

letters and four numbers. After 15 years, the State will 

again use the “V” series of official vaccination eartags. 

Consequently, beginning January 1985, the letters “V,” 

“T,” and “S” as the first letter in the three-letter 

portion of the eartag are reserved for exclusive use in 

official vaccination eartags. 

Individual animal registration tattoos or individual 

animal registration brands may be used for identifying 

animals in place of official eartags if the cattle and/or 

bison are registered by breed associations recognized by 

VS. Official calfhood vaccinates are allowed to be 

retattooed by an accredited veterinarian designated by the 

State Veterinarian, or by a Federal or State 

representative, provided that: 

a. The identification of the vaccinated animal(s) is 

verified by official records maintained in State or 

Federal offices and

b. Prior approval for retattooing is obtained from the 

State Veterinarian and

c. The retattooing produces the original tattoo given at 

the time of vaccination. 

2. Official adult vaccinates—Animals that have been 

vaccinated over calfhood age as part of authorized wholeherd vaccination plans must be permanently identified as 

vaccinates as follows: Adult-vaccinated cattle and/or 

bison in these herds must be identified by either an openended “V” hot brand high on the hip near the tailhead, or 

by an official “AV” (adult vaccination) tattoo in the 
35 

right ear. For Brucella abortus Strain 19-vaccinated 

animals, the “AV” in the tattoo is to be preceded by a 

number indicating the quarter of the year and followed by 

a number corresponding to the last digit of the year in 

which the vaccination was done. For Brucella abortus

Strain RB51-vaccinated animals, the “AV” in the tattoo is 

to be preceded by the letter “R” and followed by a number 

corresponding to the last digit of the year in which the 

vaccination was done. The brand or tattoo is in addition 

to the official eartag identification. If the cattle or 

bison are registered by a breed association recognized by 

VS, individual animal registration tattoos or individual 

animal registration brands may be used for identifying 

animals in place of official eartags. Large-numbered, 

unique, plastic bangle tags are recommended to be used in 

addition to the above identification and are to be 

correlated on test records with the official eartag. 

3. Testing Requirements

A. Cattle and Bison 

1. Herd blood test—Herd blood tests must include all cattle 

and/or bison 6 months of age and older except steers, 

spayed heifers, official calfhood vaccinates of the dairy 

breeds under 20 months of age, and official calfhood 

vaccinates of beef breeds and bison that are under 24 

months of age. Presence of the first pair of fully 

erupted permanent incisor teeth is evidence that the 

animal has reached 24 months of age. However, official 

calfhood vaccinates that are parturient (springers) or 

postparturient must be included in the herd blood test 

regardless of age. 

2. Herd blood test for release of quarantine and 

postquarantine test—The herd blood test that is performed 

to qualify a herd for release of quarantine and the test 

that is performed 6 to 12 months after a quarantine has 

been released must include all nonneutered cattle and/or 

bison (females and males) 6 months of age and older, 

including cattle and/or bison that have been officially 

vaccinated for at least 6 months. The purpose for this 

requirement is to establish baseline titers for each of 

these animals so that when they are retested, the 

designated brucellosis epidemiologist can evaluate the 

probability of their being infected with field strains of 

Brucella. 

3. Market Cattle Identification (MCI) blood tests

a. Slaughter establishment—All cattle and/or bison (cows 

and bulls) 2 years of age and older are to be bloodsampled at each recognized slaughter establishment. 

The blood samples must be tested for brucellosis. 
36 

b. Livestock markets, farms, or ranches—The following 

cattle and/or bison moving in trade channels or being 

readied for sale on farms and ranches must be bloodsampled and tested as required (see chapter 2, parts 

II–IV): all cattle and/or bison 18 months of age and 

older (as evidenced by the loss of the first pair of 

temporary incisor teeth), except steers, spayed 

heifers, official calfhood vaccinates of dairy breeds 

under 20 months of age, and official calfhood 

vaccinates of beef breeds and bison under 24 months of 

age. Presence of the first pair of fully erupted 

permanent incisor teeth is evidence that the animal has 

reached 24 months of age. However, all cattle and 

bison that are parturient (springers) or postparturient 

must be included as test-eligible cattle and bison 

regardless of age or vaccination status. 

4. Other movements—The testing requirements for cattle and/or 

bison under other circumstances will be the same as those 

in the immediately preceding paragraph. 

B. Identifying Tested Animals—Cattle and Bison 

1. Cattle and/or bison included in a herd blood test must be 

identified with an official eartag, an individual animal's 

registration tattoo, registration brand, or the 

registration number of a breed association recognized by 

VS. Large-numbered, unique, plastic bangle tags may be 

used in addition if the bangle tags are correlated on the 

test records with the official eartag. 

2. Cattle and/or bison that are tested under the MCI program 

procedures are to be identified with the herd of origin by 

an official eartag and/or a USDA-approved backtag before 

or at the first point of concentration in marketing 

channels. 

C. Requesting a Retest 

Within 3 days after being notified of the results of an 

initial herd blood test, the owner may request an additional 

blood test on cattle and/or bison reactors, at the owner's 

expense. The request must be based on sound epidemiologic 

evidence, and all animals must remain under herd quarantine. 

D. Retesting Affected Herds 

Retests of affected cattle and/or bison herds must be 

conducted in accordance with an individual herd plan (see 

chapter 1, part II,section 6D). Under routine conditions, 

retests are recommended at approximately 30-day intervals 

until the herd has passed at least one negative herd test 30–
37 

60 days after the last reactor has been removed and 

slaughtered. To qualify herds for release from quarantine, 

as indicated in chapter 1, part II, section 6A, a second 

negative herd blood test is necessary 180–210 days after the 

last reactor has been removed, and the third test (releasing 

test) must occur 365 days or more after all reactors have 

been removed. Testing at 30-day intervals after the first 

negative herd test is strongly recommended to detect any 
38 

additional infected cattle and/or bison as soon as possible, 

in order to minimize the spread of disease within the herd. 

4. Laboratory and Testing Procedures

A. Laboratories 

Blood samples are to be tested for brucellosis only in 

cooperative State–Federal brucellosis laboratories or by 

persons who are authorized by Program officials to conduct 

the standard agglutination tests, the buffered acidified 

plate antigen (BAPA) test, or the card test. All samples 

initially tested at other than an approved cooperative State–

Federal brucellosis laboratory must be promptly submitted, by 

the person authorized to do the testing, to an approved 

cooperative State–Federal brucellosis laboratory, where the 

results will be confirmed. A cooperative laboratory system 

will be maintained with States, universities, and industry to 

review the training and performance of laboratory personnel 

regularly and to assist laboratories in developing systems of 

continuing quality control for all laboratory tests and 

culturing procedures. State–Federal laboratories will be 

evaluated by a review committee that includes qualified 

epidemiologists, at least once in each 3-year period. 

Individuals conducting onsite testing will be proficiency 

tested annually to determine their competence to perform 

approved procedures. 

B. Diagnostic Reagents for Brucellosis 

Brucella antigens used for diagnosing or detecting 

brucellosis in domestic livestock will be distributed only to 

State and Federal animal health personnel and to accredited 

veterinarians who have been approved by State and Federal 

program officials to conduct specific tests. 

C. Using the Tests and Recording Results—Cattle and Bison 

1. Tests on blood serum

a. Buffered Acidified Plate Antigen (BAPA) Presumptive 

Test—may be used to classify cattle and/or bison as 

negative. The test is recorded as either negative or 

positive. A test is positive when any agglutination is 

observed. 
39 

b. Rapid Automated Presumptive (RAP) Test—may be used as 

an approved presumptive test in accordance with the 

published protocol. The test result is recorded as 

either positive or negative. 

c. Card test—may be used to classify cattle and/or bison 

as negative on surveillance samples collected at 

slaughter, on routine samples collected on farms, and 

on tests of suspicious and affected herds. The test 

results are recorded as either negative or positive. 

The card test is to be used as an official test to 

classify cattle and/or bison as reactors under the 

following circumstances only: 

(1) When conditions and time are such that no other 

test is available; or 

(2) When the owner and/or his or her agent request it 

because of time or situation constraints; or 

(3) In stockyards when the State animal health official 

specifically designates the card test as the 

official test. No other test except the BAPA is to 

be used in stockyards as an official test in those 

States. (The CITE® test can also be used on all 

cattle and/or bison as a supplemental test whenever 

the card test is used.); or 

(4) In stockyards when the State animal health official 

designates the card test as the official test, the 

card test will be the only official diagnostic 

test; and the CITE test, standard plate test (SPT), 

or rivanol test may be used as supplemental tests 

at the stockyard. Cattle and/or bison that are 

positive to the card test must be classified as 

reactors or suspects if supplemental tests 

completed support suspicious or reactor 

classifications. 

(5) To test MCI test samples. Cattle and/or bison that 

are tested under the MCI program using an approved 

presumptive test (BAPA or RAP) and that are found 

to be positive on the presumptive test must be 

retested using the card test, the SPT, the tube 

agglutination test, or other official tests. If 

there is no further testing, all samples that are 

positive on the card test or SPT or tube 

agglutination test will be reported as MCI reactors 

and traced to the herd of origin. However, the 

designated brucellosis epidemiologist can 

reclassify MCI reactors for purposes of State or 

area classification, provided additional 

information and tests are available that support 
40 

such action. 

(6) Results of the card test may be used to supplement 

the results of other tests conducted in the 

cooperative State–Federal brucellosis laboratory to 

give the designated brucellosis epidemiologist 

additional information when classifying cattle and 

bison. Card-positive cattle and/or bison may be 

classified negative only by a designated 

brucellosis epidemiologist, provided that 

supplemental tests are negative and additional 

documented information supports such actions. 

d. Standard Tube Agglutination Test (STT) or Standard 

Plate Test (SPT)—The blood titers of cattle and bison 

tested by the STT or SPT methods are interpreted in 

table 1. 

Note: These interpretations do not apply to official 

Strain 19 adult-vaccinated cattle or bison until after the 

STT or SPT titer resulting from vaccination has reverted 

to negative. 

Table 1—Interpretation of standard tube agglutination test (STT) and standard plate test (SPT) results 

______________________________________________________________________ 

Test results Test interpretation 

1:50 1:100 1:200 Non-Strain 19- Strain 19- 

vaccinated vaccinated 

______________________________________________________________________ 

- - - Negative Negative 

I - - Suspect Negative 

+ - - Suspect Negative 

+ I - Suspect Suspect 

+ + - Reactor Suspect 

+ + I Reactor Suspect 

+ + + Reactor Reactor 

______________________________________________________________________ 

Key: - = no agglutination; I = incomplete agglutination; + = complete agglutination. 
41 

e. Rivanol test—The rivanol test is an official test 

when conducted in cooperative State–Federal 

brucellosis laboratories. However, the designated 

brucellosis epidemiologist can reclassify MCI 

reactors for purposes of State or area 

classification, provided that additional 

information and tests are available to support 

reclassification. The rivanol test is interpreted 

in table 2. 

Table 2—Interpretation of rivanol test results 

______________________________________________________________________ 

 Test results 

Non-Strain 19- Strain 19- 

vaccinated vaccinated Test interpretation 

___________________________________________________________________ 

I 1:25 or I 1:25 or lower. (But within 5 Negative 

lower months after adult vaccination 

of cattle or bison, a + 1:50 titer 

or lower titer is considered 

negative.) 

Not + 1:25 to + 1:50, provided the Suspect 

applicable CF test is performed and is 

interpreted as negative or suspect, 

as described in paragraphs f and 

g in this section. 

+ 1:25 or + 1:25 or higher, provided the CF Reactor 

higher test is not performed or when the 

CF test is interpreted as a reactor, 

or I 1:100 on the rivanol test 

regardless of CF test results. 

_________________________________________________________________ 

Key: I = incomplete agglutination; + = complete agglutination. 

f. Manual complement-fixation (CF) test—The CF test is an 

official test when it is conducted at a cooperative 

State–Federal brucellosis laboratory using manual 

methods approved by the National Veterinary Services 

Laboratories (NVSL) of APHIS, VS. The manual CF test 

is interpreted in table 3. 
42 

Table 3—Interpretation of manual complement-fixation test results 

______________________________________________________________________ 

 Test results 

Non-Strain 19- Strain 19- 

vaccinated vaccinated1

 Test interpretation 

______________________________________________________________________ 

1+ 1:10 or lower 1+ 1:10 or lower Negative 

2+ 1:10 through 1+ 1:20 2+ 1:10 through 4+ 1:20 Suspect 

2+ 1:20 or higher 1+ 1:40 or higher Reactor 

______________________________________________________________________ 

1

 Includes Strain 19 adullt-vaccinated cattle and bison beginning 2 months after vaccination. 

Key to degree of fixation of complement: 1+ = 25 percent, 2+ = 50 percent, 3+ = 75 percent, 4+ = 100 

percent. 

g. Technicon automated complement-fixation test—The 

Technicon automated CF test is an official test when it 

is conducted at a cooperative State–Federal brucellosis 

laboratory using recognized methods. This test is 

interpreted in table 4. 

Table 4—Interpretation of the Technician automated complement-fixation test results 

______________________________________________________________________ 

 Test results 

Non-Strain 19- Strain 19 

vaccinated vaccinated 1

 Test interpretation 

______________________________________________________________________ 

N 1:5 + 1:5 but N 1:10 Negative 

+ 1:5 but N 1:10 + 1:10 but N 1:20 Suspect 

+ 1:10 or higher + 1:20 or higher Reactor 

______________________________________________________________________ 

1

 Includes Strain 19 adult vaccinates beginning 2 months after vaccination. 

Key to fixation of complement: + = observed; N = none observed. 

h. Particle Concentration Fluorescence ImmunoassayTM

(PCFIA) may be used as a presumptive or official 

diagnostic test and classified according to the 

following ratio between the test sample and a known 

negative sample (S/N ratio). Note: The designated 

brucellosis epidemiologist can reclassify MCI reactors 

for purposes of State or area classification, provided 

that additional information and tests are available that 

support such action.
43 

Table 5 PCFIA 

 Non-Strain 19 vaccinates Strain 19 vaccinates 

 (6 months of age and older1,2) (test-eligible) 

_______________________________________________________________________________ 

 Negative Suspect Reactor Negative Suspect Reactor 

_______________________________________________________________________________ 

S/N values S/N values S/N values Same values Same values Same values 

greater than less than or less than or as Negative as Suspect as Reactor 

0.6. equal to 0.6 equal to 0.3 Non-Strain Non-Strain Non-Strain 19 

 and greater 19 vaccinates 19 vaccinates vaccinates 

than 0.3 

i. Fluorescent Polarization Assay (FPA) - The Fluorescent 

 Polarization Assay (FPA), can be used as a presumptive 

 or supplemental test. It is used as an official test 

 when conducted in an approved cooperative State-Federal 

 brucellosis laboratory. However, the designated 

 Brucellosis epidemiologist can reclassify MCI reactors 

 for purposes of State or area classification,provided 

 that additional information and tests are available to 

 support reclassification. This test is interpreted in 

 table 6. 

Table 6. FPA 

Non-Strain 19 vaccinates 

(6 months of age an older 1,2) 

N S P

Strain 19 vaccinates 

(test-eligible) 

 

 N S P

Negative<11 Suspect 11-20 Positive>21 Negative < 11 Suspect 11-20 Positive >21 

j. Supplemental tests—Supplemental tests are other tests 

that have been developed to aid in determining the 

presence or absence of blood components associated with 

field strains of Brucella abortus, Strain 19, 

nonspecific agglutinins, etc. Of these, only the card 

test is an official test, and it is official only when 

used as the sole test on a blood serum sample. Other 

test procedures include mercaptoethanol (ME), Coombs, 

heat inactivation (HI), acidified plate antigen (APA), 

rapid automated presumptive (RAP), fluorescent 

polarization assay (FPA), enzyme-linked antibody (ELA), 

concentration immunoassay test (CITE®), field enzymelinked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and D-Tec® 

competitive cELISA. Other supplemental tests may be 
44 

added from time to time. Only the designated 

brucellosis epidemiologist may use and interpret 

results of supplemental tests. 

2. Semen plasma test

 The semen plasma test is approved as an official test in 

bulls that are used for artificial insemination when the 

test is used in conjunction with an official test on blood 

serum. The classification of these animals must be based 

on the maximum agglutination titer of either the blood 

test or the semen plasma test. 

3. Brucellosis milk surveillance tests (BMST)

a. Standard BRT—The standard BRT is performed on pooled 

milk from dairy herds and represents all of the 

lactating cows that contributed milk to that sample. 

The BRT samples are to be tested in approved 

laboratories according to the standard test procedures 

published by VS. 

A modified BRT procedure is available for use on pooled 

cream samples from dairy herds selling cream 

commercially. 

(1) Collection procedures—Samples of pooled milk from 

pipeline segments, bulk tanks, or milk cans are to 

be collected in at least four rounds per year at 

milk receiving stations, dairy processing plants, 

or individual dairy herds in each State. All 

commercial dairy herds will be tested in at least 

three of the four BRT rounds per year in Class A 

and B States and at least twice in Class Free 

States. States may increase the frequency of milk 

collections to improve the effectiveness of this 

surveillance method. Records should be kept for 

each collection point on each collection indicating 

how the samples were handled by the dairy plant 

after the samples were collected at the farm and 

before subsamples were collected for the BRT. 

(2) BRT test procedures and adjustments—To provide 

adequate surveillance for brucellosis in large 

dairy herds, the sensitivity of the BRT must be 

adjusted according to the size of the herd to 

compensate for the dilution of milk from infected 

animals with milk from large numbers of noninfected 

negative animals. Increasing the sensitivity of 

the BRT increases the probability that brucellosis 

will be detected during the early stages of the 

disease in the herd. 
45 

The number of lactating cows represented in the 

composite herd milk sample has a significant 

influence on the sensitivity of the BRT. 

Consequently, the first step in conducting the BRT 

is to determine the approximate herd size in order 

to adjust the sensitivity of the test. 

(a) Estimate approximate herd size by: 

(i) Dividing the average milk production per 

cow in the State into the total pounds 

of milk that the dairy processing plant 

received from each herd; or 

(ii) Reviewing recent blood test records for 

that herd and adjusting for the 

estimated number of nonlactating 

animals; or 

(iii) Asking owner, county agent, or dairy 

field representative. 

(b) Use fresh milk samples from herds milking 150 

or more cows. Milk samples preserved with 

either formalin or potassium dichromate are 

acceptable for herds smaller than 150 head. 

(c) Adjust the volume of the milk sample for herd 

size according to table 7. 

Table 7—Correct volume of milk samples, in milliliters, by the size of the herd contributing to the sample, 

for the brucellosis ring test 

______________________________________________________________________ 

Number of 

lactating 

animals Sample size 

_____________________________________________________________________ 

1–150 1 mL 

151–450 2 mL 

451–700 3 mL 

_____________________________________________________________________ 
46 

In herds with more than 700 lactating cows, 

segment the herd into subunits (25 to 75 cows) 

and collect composite milk samples from each 

subunit from the milk pipeline. Herds with 

fewer than 700 lactating cows may also be 

segmented using the 1-mL test method for each 

60-cow composite milk sample. 

(d) Add 0.1 ml of gravity cream (2–4 drops) from 

brucellosis-negative cows to each BRT tube 

regardless of the volume of milk used. Obtain 

gravity cream by using BRT-negative milk from a 

herd that has at least 50 cows in order to avoid 

individual differences in creaming quality. Do 

not pasteurize or clarify the milk used to 

obtain the negative cream. 

(e) Add 0.03 ml (1 drop) of BRT antigen per test, 

regardless of the volume of milk. 

(f) Interpret test results as positive or negative. 

In the standard 1-mL ring test, the result is 

positive when the blue color of the cream layer 

is as dark as or darker than the color of the 

skim portion of the milk. In the 2-mL and 3-mL 

tests, the result is positive when the blue 

color of the cream layer is darker than the 

color of the skim milk portion of the sample. 

b. Serially diluted BRT—The serially diluted BRT procedure 

is used by designated brucellosis epidemiologists to 

evaluate the level of antibodies in the milk of 

individual cows. This test is commonly performed on 

separate milk samples from individual quarters. 

 If a composite sample of milk from individual quarters 

is used, it is important that equal quantities of milk 

from each quarter be added to the composite sample. 

Unprocessed raw milk from a herd of brucellosisnegative cows must be used for diluting the test 

samples and for obtaining negative cream. The negative 

milk must be obtained from a herd with 25 or more cows 

to compensate for variations among individual animals 

in the creaming factors of the test milk. This special 

test is often combined with bacteriologic attempts to 

culture Brucella from aseptically collected milk 

samples. 
47 

c. The heat-inactivated ring test (HIRT)—This test is an 

approved supplemental test procedure for milk and/or 

cream samples whose results from the BRT are 

suspicious. The interpretation of HIRT results must be 

made in conjunction with other epidemiologic factors by 

a designated brucellosis epidemiologist. 

The sensitivity of the HIRT must be adjusted using the 

same procedures as the BRT. 

d. The California BRT—The California BRT was developed to 

reduce the resources necessary when segmenting large 

dairy herds. It is performed on pooled milk from dairy 

herds and represents all of the lactating cows that 

contributed milk to that sample. 

The California BRT samples are to be tested in approved 

laboratories. Collection and test procedures are the 

same as the Standard BRT (e.a.) with the exception of 

the amount of milk, which is described in table 8. 

Table 8—California BRT. Correct volume of milk samples, in milliliters, by the size of the herd contributing 

to the sample. 

_________________________________________________ 

Number of lactating animals Sample size 

_________________________________________________ 

 6–150 1.0 

 151–250 1.5 

 251–350 2.0 

 351–500 2.5 

 501–700 3.0 

 701–1,000 3.5 

1,001–1,500 4.0 

___________________________________________________ 

4. Milk ELISA Tests

a. Idexx HerdChek® Milk Antibody Test—This is an official 

test which may be performed on pooled milk from dairy 

herds and represents all of the lactating cows that 

contributed milk to that sample. The number of 

lactating cows represented in the composite herd milk 

sample must be fewer than 1,000 animals. This test may 

also be used to evaluate individual animals. Milk 

samples should be collected using the same procedures 

as the brucellosis ring test. 

5. Procedures for Moving Restricted Cattle and/or Bison 
48 

A. Permits 

 

1. Permit (cattle and bison)—An official document (VS Form 1–

27 or comparable State form), issued by a VS 

representative, State representative, or accredited 

veterinarian, that must accompany certain restricted 

animals. A permit does not include a “Permit for Entry” 

or “S”-brand permit. The permit must list one of the 

following types of identification for each animal: 

a. Official eartag, or 

b. USDA backtag, or 

c. If the animal is registered by a breed association 

recognized by VS, the 

(1) Individual animal registration number, 

(2) Individual animal registration tattoo, or 

(3) Individual animal registration brand. 

It must list any reactor tag number(s), owner's name 

and address, location of origin and destination, number 

of animals covered, and the purpose of the movement. 

No diversion from the permitted destination is allowed. 

If a change in destination is desired or becomes 

necessary, a new permit must be obtained. The copies 

must be distributed as indicated on the permit. 

2. “S”-brand permit (cattle and/or bison)—A document that is 

required to accompany the movement of certain restricted 

animals. It shows: 

a. the origin, 

b. the destination, 

c. the number of restricted cattle and/or bison, 

d. the purpose of the movement, 

e. the USDA backtag numbers (when applied serially, only 

the beginning and the ending number need be recorded), 

and 
49 

f. a statement certifying the “S”-brand identification. 

It must be prepared at the point of origin by an 

accredited veterinarian, a representative of the State or 

Federal animal health officials, or a designated official 

at a quarantined feedlot. A copy of this “S”-brand permit 

must be immediately sent to the State animal health 

official, with the original accompanying the animals. The 

original must be delivered at the destination and kept at 

that location for a minimum of 6 months. 

3. Permit for entry (cattle and/or bison)—A premovement 

authorization for animals to move into a State, which must 

be obtained from the State animal health official in the 

State of destination before the animals are moved. The 

authorization for entry will state the conditions under 

which the movement may be made. These conditions may be in 

addition to the requirements in these UM&R and the Code of 

Federal Regulations. The authorization may be written or 

oral. 

B. Movement of Restricted Animals 

1. Reactors—All cattle and/or bison that test positive to the 

card test on farm or ranch or at stockyards must be 

classified as reactors unless supplemental tests are 

conducted. Approved supplemental tests for use at 

stockyards only are the standard plate test, rivanol test, 

and CITE test. All other supplemental testing must be 

conducted at State–Federal brucellosis laboratories. 

Reactors must not be moved without a permit unless they 

are accompanied directly to their destination by a State 

or Federal animal health representative. 

Reactor cattle and/or bison must remain on the premises 

where they are found until a State or Federal permit for 

slaughter is obtained (see section A1, “Permits,” 

immediately preceding). The animals must not be diverted 

from the permitted destination. The reactor animals can 

be tagged and branded either on the farm or at a Stateapproved or federally approved stockyard. Reactors 

identified at livestock markets may only move to slaughter 

or return to the herd of origin for further evaluation. 

a. Movement to slaughter—Reactor animals must be tagged 

and “B”-branded either or farm or ranch or at a 

specifically approved stockyard before movement to 

slaughter. They must move to a recognized slaughter 

establishment or to an approved stockyard for further 
50 

movement to a recognized slaughter establishment within 

15 days of being tagged and branded. This time period 

may be extended 15 days for reasons mutually acceptable 

to the State or Federal official in charge. When moved 

to approved stockyards or intermediate handling 

facilities, the reactors must be segregated from all 

other classes of livestock in specially designated 

pens. Pens at stockyards must be thoroughly cleaned 

and disinfected prior to use for other than 

brucellosis-affected or exposed animals. 

b. Return to herd of origin—Reactor animals returning to 

the herd of origin for further evaluation need not be 

branded but may only move under quarantine and permit. 

These animals must be transported separately from all 

other classes of unexposed livestock and maintained 

under quarantine until evaluation is completed. If 

evaluation confirms the reactor classification, the 

herd of origin will be designated as an affected herd 

and appropriate actions taken. 

2. Suspects—Suspects that are being moved or sold must be 

identified and moved in the same manner as for exposed 

cattle or bison (see paragraphs B3, “Exposed cattle and/or 

bison,” immediately following). However, a suspect at a 

livestock market in a consignment of otherwise negative 

cattle or bison (i.e., an animal whose response to the 

card test is positive but whose CITE® test is negative) 

must be handled as follows. 

In a single consignment of cattle and/or bison that are 

from a producer's herd of origin, the owner must either: 

a. Return the suspect(s) under quarantine to the herd of 

origin until the suspect(s) is negative or is declared 

a stabilized suspect by a designated brucellosis 

epidemiologist after subsequent test(s) conducted in 30 

days or more or is classified a reactor on a subsequent 

test; or 

b. Sell the suspect(s) to a quarantined feedlot or 

quarantined pasture or send it to slaughter, identified 

with an “S” brand. 

If the owner and the market operator agree in writing 

that they will be fully responsible for preventing 

contact or other exposure to non-“S”-branded cattle and 

bison, these “S”-branded cattle and/or bison may be 

moved to one additional market or to an approved 
51 

intermediate handling facility and then either to (1) a 

quarantined feedlot and then to immediate slaughter, or 

(2) to a quarantined pasture and then to a quarantined 

feedlot or to immediate slaughter. All such movements 

must be under “S”-brand permit and must be permissible 

under State laws, rules, and regulations. 

The owner may either return the cattle and bison that 

were negative on the card test in this consignment to 

the herd of origin or sell them for movement to another 

herd within the State or for movement interstate. 

3. Exposed cattle and/or bison—All exposed cattle and/or 

bison moving from a herd of origin or from a stockyard to 

a quarantined feedlot or to a quarantined pasture or to 

immediate slaughter must remain on the premises where they 

are found until the owner has been issued an “S”-brand 

permit for movement. 

If they are moved to market for sale, to a quarantined 

feedlot or a quarantined pasture, or to immediate 

slaughter, they must be moved through a specifically 

approved stockyard or a State-approved stockyard or 

approved intermediate handling facility. Exceptions to 

the “S” branding and “S”-brand permits are allowed for 

finished-fed heifers moving directly to immediate 

slaughter at recognized slaughter establishments and for 

exposed cattle or bison where movement to slaughter does 

not require transportation by rail or motor carrier. The 

cattle and/or bison must not be diverted from the 

permitted destination. 

In addition, exposed cattle and/or bison may move from the 

herd of origin or from specifically approved stockyards or 

State-approved stockyards directly to recognized slaughter 

establishments in a sealed truck without being permanently 

identified by “S” brand. The entire truckload of cattle 

and/or bison or other susceptible species must be 

consigned directly to slaughter at a single slaughter 

establishment. Mixed loads of slaughter, feeder, or 

breeding cattle and/or bison must not be included in 

shipments of this type. None of the animals may be 

diverted to holding feedlots, pastures, or dealer pens. 

Truck seals are to be placed by State or Federal animal 

health personnel during regular work hours, or by 

accredited veterinarians. Each shipment must be 

accompanied by a permit (section A in this part) with the 

appropriate seal number recorded on the permit. Cattle 

and/or bison to be transported in sealed vehicles must 
52 

remain on the premises until the appropriate animal health 

personnel or accredited veterinarian issues the permit and 

seals the vehicle. No post-authorized permits may be 

approved. Truck seals are to be broken by State or 

Federal animal health personnel during regular working 

hours, or by accredited veterinarians, or by a slaughter 

establishment officer who has been designated by USDA– 

Food Safety and Inspection Service authorities or by State 

authorities. 

4. Calves from affected herds—All calves in an affected herd 

are included under the herd quarantine restrictions. 

These calves may be moved only if they comply with the 

movement requirements outlined in chapter 2, parts II4 or 

III4 or IV4, as applicable for States in each brucellosis 

classification. If heifer calves are retained in the 

herd, they should be calfhood vaccinated. 

5. Other exposed cattle and/or bison in affected herds: All 

other cattle and/or bison in affected herds (except those 

in 1, 2, 4, and 7 of this section, and steers and spayed 

heifers) are exposed and must be handled as described in 

paragraph 3 of this section. 

6. Untested test-eligible cattle and/or bison: When untested 

test-eligible cattle and/or bison that originate from 

herds of unknown or negative status or from quarantined 

areas are sold or moved in marketing channels, these 

animals must be identified, tested at the first point of 

concentration, and moved in the same manner as prescribed 

for exposed cattle and bison. When cattle and/or bison 

that originate from herds of unknown or negative status in 

Class B States or areas are sold or moved in marketing 

channels, these animals must be identified, tested at the 

first point of concentration, and moved as negative tested 

cattle and/or bison if they qualify for movement as 

outlined in chapter 2, part IV,4D; otherwise, they must be 

moved in the same manner as prescribed for exposed cattle 

and/or bison. Cattle and/or bison that originate in a 

Certified Brucellosis-Free Herd are exempt from these 

restrictions. 

7. Herd depopulation—Reactors and “B”-branded exposed cattle 

and/or bison in herd depopulations must remain on the 

premises where they were found until the owner has been 

issued a State or Federal permit for movement for 

immediate slaughter. These cattle and/or bison must be 

moved to a recognized slaughter establishment or to a 

specifically approved stockyard or State-approved 
53 

stockyard for sale to a recognized slaughter 

establishment, or to an approved intermediate handling 

facility for movement directly to a recognized slaughter 

establishment, within 15 days of the branding and tagging 

date. The time may be extended 15 days for reasons 

mutually acceptable to the cooperating State and Federal 

officials in charge. The cattle and/or bison must not be 

diverted from the permitted destination. 

Instead of “B” branding, the exposed cattle and/or bison 

in a herd depopulation may be moved for immediate 

slaughter using USDA backtags for identification. These 

animals must be escorted to slaughter by a State or VS 

representative or be moved directly to slaughter in 

vehicles that have been closed with official seals. 

6. Procedures for Handling Affected or Restricted Herds

A. Quarantines 

All cattle and/or bison, except steers and spayed heifers, 

must be confined to the premises until the herd is free of 

brucellosis or sold for slaughter under permit or “S”-brand 

permit. (See chapter 1, part II5A.) Three consecutive 

negative herd blood tests are required for release from 

quarantine, with the first negative herd blood test occurring 

30–60 days after all reactors have been removed from the herd 

and slaughtered. The second of these tests must occur 180–

210 days after all reactors have been removed and 

slaughtered. The third test (releasing test) must occur 365 

days or more after all reactors have been removed and 

slaughtered. The releasing test must include all nonneutered cattle and/or bison over 6 months of age. (The 

purpose of testing official vaccinates of dairy breeds under 

20 months of age and beef breeds under 24 months of age is to 

establish baseline titers for evaluating the probability that 

these animals will be infected with field strains of Brucella

and will demonstrate a rising titer when they are retested.) 

In all areas, an additional blood test of all non-neutered 

cattle and/or bison over 6 months of age in the herd is 

recommended between 6 and 12 months after an affected herd 

has been released from quarantine. All calves in an affected 

herd are included under the herd quarantine restrictions. 

These calves may be moved only if they comply with the 

movement requirements outlined in chapter 2, parts II4, III4, 

or IV4, as applicable for States in each brucellosis 

classification. 
54 

Exceptions to the interval between the tests required for 

releasing herds from quarantine are allowable only when 

approved Brucella vaccine organisms have been isolated from 

the reactor animal or when all epidemiologic evidence is 

consistent with an approved Brucella vaccine infection and 

not with infection by a field strain of Brucella abortus.

All of the above conditions also apply to herds that have 

participated in a whole-herd vaccination plan. 

B. Quarantined Feedlot 

1. A quarantined feedlot is maintained for finish-feeding 

cattle and/or bison in drylot. If provisions for 

pasturing or grazing adjacent to the feedlot premises are 

needed, it must be approved as designated below (chapter 

1, part II, section 6B2). It must be jointly approved by 

the State and Federal animal health officials. Breeding 

or “two-way” cattle and/or bison (those that can be sold 

for breeding or for meat purposes) are not allowed in a 

quarantined feedlot. Except in Class Free States, all 

test-eligible cattle and/or bison must be officially 

tested for brucellosis within 30 days prior to or upon 

entry into a quarantined feedlot. All cattle and/or bison 

in a quarantined feedlot are classified as exposed to 

brucellosis. Upon entering these feedlots, negative 

exposed and untested test-eligible animals—but not steers 

or spayed heifers—must be permanently identified with a 

hot iron “S” brand high on the tailhead over the fourth to 

the seventh coccygeal vertebrae. All cattle and/or bison 

leaving these feedlots—except steers and spayed heifers—

must either 

a. Go directly to slaughter; or 

b. Be moved directly to another quarantined feedlot with a 

permit from the State animal health official; or 

c. Be “S”-branded at the quarantined feedlot and moved to 

a livestock market to be sold for direct movement to 

another quarantined feedlot or directly to slaughter. 

In this case, the cattle and/or bison must be 

accompanied by a VS Form 1–27 permit issued at the 

market. 

The animal health officials will establish procedures for 

accounting for all animals entering or leaving quarantined 

feedlots. The community must be notified of the presence 
55 

of a quarantined feedlot (see chapter 1, part II, section 

1E). 

Tracebacks to quarantined feedlots are successful and are 

reported as traced to known reactor herd. 

2. Requirements for pasture or grazing areas adjacent to a 

quarantined feedlot 

a. The pasture area must be located adjacent to the 

quarantined feedlot and must be jointly approved by 

State and Federal animal health officials. It must be 

enclosed by a double fence (2 fences at least 10 feet 

apart) to eliminate the possibility of direct contact 

of the quarantined cattle and/or bison with neighboring 

grazing or breeding cattle and/or bison. 

b. All herd owners with premises that are adjacent to a 

quarantined feedlot's pasture or grazing areas must 

receive prior notification of this proposed action and 

must give their approval. 

c. Records of cattle and/or bison movement into and out of 

the pasture or grazing areas shall be kept and handled 

the same as the movement of cattle and/or bison within 

the feedlot. This will allow inspectors the same 

surveillance opportunity that exists within the 

quarantined feedlot. 

C. Quarantined Pastures 

Applications for establishing quarantined pastures must be 

reviewed and recommended jointly by the State and Federal 

animal health officials. The applications must be submitted 

to the Deputy Administrator of VS for final approval. 

Approval of a quarantined pasture must not exceed 10 months. 

Quarantined pastures may receive cattle and/or bison only 

from intrastate points of origin; these pastures may only 

involve movements of cattle and/or bison interstate for 

slaughter or to quarantined feedlots. All animals in the 

quarantined pasture are classified as exposed to brucellosis. 

Breeding or “two-way” cattle and/or bison are not allowed in 

the quarantined pasture. All test-eligible cattle and/or 

bison must be officially tested for brucellosis within 30 

days of entry into a quarantined pasture. All animals in the 

quarantined pasture must be the same sex, unless they are 

neutered. Upon entering the quarantined pasture, all animals 

except steers and spayed heifers must be permanently 
56 

identified with a hot-iron “S” brand high on the tailhead 

over the fourth to the seventh coccygeal vertebrae. 

All animals except steers and spayed heifers leaving the 

quarantined pasture must move only for immediate slaughter or 

to a quarantined feedlot. The movement must be in accordance 

with established procedures for handling quarantined 

(exposed) animals (see chapter 1, part II, section 5), 

including obtaining “S”-brand permits before movement. 

The animal health officials will establish procedures for 

accounting for all animals entering or leaving the 

quarantined pasture. All exposed cattle and/or bison must 

vacate the premises on or before the date the approval 

expires. The community must be notified of the presence of a 

quarantined pasture. 

Tracebacks to quarantined pastures are successful and are 

reported as traced to known reactor herd. 

D. Approved Bison Quarantine Facilities 

A group or individual may establish an approved bison 

quarantine facility (ABQF) to provide testing for 

brucellosis-exposed bison from Yellowstone and Grand Teton 

National Parks in order to qualify the animals as brucellosis 

free. These facilities may be located in Yellowstone 

National Park, Grand Teton National Park, or adjacent to the 

Parks in the adjoining States of Idaho, Montana, or Wyoming. 

State and Federal animal health officials must approve each 

facility. Facility approval is valid for 1 year and can be 

reapproved provided that all requirements are met. 

State and/or Federal animal health officials will select the 

serologic tests to be conducted, establish procedures to 

account for all animals entering or leaving the ABQF, and 

supervise all operations. 

All bison entering an ABQF are considered to be brucellosisexposed animals and must be permanently identified with 

official metal eartags and placed under quarantine 

restrictions. Prior to entering the facility, all animals 

must test negative on official brucellosis serologic tests 

conducted at the National Veterinary Services Laboratories 

(NVSL) or at an approved Cooperative State–Federal 

Brucellosis Laboratory (CSFBL). All serologic and/or milk 

tests conducted in the ABQF are considered preliminary and 

must be confirmed at NVSL or at an approved CSFBL. Specimens 
57 

or milk samples for bacterial culture must also be cultured 

at NVSL or at an approved CSFBL. 

It is recommended that test-negative bison captured during a 

single season entering the ABQF be placed in an ABQF holding 

pen until they can be sorted and penned separately into 

individual test groups (ITGs). The holding pens and ITG pens 

should be separated by at least two fences that are a minimum 

of 10 feet apart. When animals enter the ABQF, it is 

recommended, but not required, that serologic tests be 

conducted on every bison every 30–45 days while it is in a 

holding pen or ITG until each animal classified as a reactor 

has been removed and the remaining animals test negative. If 

the testing results in any bison being classified as a 

reactor, a subsequent ITG test must be conducted on the 

remaining animals in the ITG at least 30 days later. 

Initially, this procedure will more readily identify reactor 

animals, minimizing the time spent in the ABQF completing the 

testing requirements to qualify for quarantine release. 

All Brucella culture-positive animals and/or all animals 

classified as reactors must be removed from the ABQF within 

15 days of being identified. Any bison removed from the ABQF 

before completing the requirements to qualify for quarantine 

release must move under permit either to an approved research 

facility or to an approved slaughter facility for slaughter 

only. All bison that are classified as reactors because they 

tested positive to an official serologic and/or milk test or 

are confirmed culture-positive must go to an approved 

research facility or to an approved slaughter facility for 

slaughter only. 

Each ITG must qualify for quarantine release following the 

procedures listed below before any individual bison within 

the ITG may be released from quarantine. 

1. Sexually mature bison (3 years of age or older)

a. Males—Male bison must pass a minimum of three 

consecutive negative ITG tests. The first ITG test 

must be conducted when the ITG starts the quarantine 

period. The second ITG test must be conducted at least 

180 days after the first ITG test. There must be at 

least 12 months between the first and last consecutive 

negative ITG tests. 

b. Pregnant females—Pregnant female bison must complete 

 two calvings within the ABQF. Pregnant female bison 
58 

not born in the facility and continually penned within 

a test-negative ITG must be rebred in the ABQF 

following their first calving to a test-negative male 

from a holding pen or ITG. 

An ITG test must be conducted when the ITG starts the 

quarantine period before the first calving, another 

ITG test must be conducted at least 30 days and not 

more than 90 days after each female has calved during 

the first and second calvings, and an ITG test must be 

conducted 6 months after the last animal has calved 

during the first and second calvings. Each 

postparturient female bison must have discharges, 

fluids, and swabs collected and cultured within 5 days 

after calving. There must be at least 12 months 

between the first and last consecutive negative ITG 

test. 

c. Nonpregnant females—Nonpregnant female bison not born 

in the facility and continually penned within a testnegative ITG must be bred in the ITG to a testnegative male from a holding pen or ITG, complete a 

gestation cycle, calve, and pass a minimum of three 

consecutive negative ITG tests. 

The first ITG test must be conducted when the ITG 

starts the quarantine period before being bred. The 

second ITG test must be conducted at least 30 days and 

not more than 90 days after each female has calved, 

and the third ITG test must be conducted 6 months 

after the last animal has calved in the ITG. Each 

postparturient female bison must have discharges, 

fluids, and swabs collected and cultured within 5 days 

after calving. There must be at least 12 months 

between the first and last consecutive negative ITG 

tests.

2. Sexually immature bison (under 3 years of age) 

a. Immature males—Male bison under 3 years of age must 

pass a minimum of three consecutive ITG tests. The 

first ITG test must be conducted when the ITG starts 

the quarantine period, and the last consecutive 

negative ITG test must be conducted after the animals 

are at least 3 years of age. The second ITG test will 

be conducted at least 180 days after the first ITG 

test. There must be at least 12 months between the 

first and last consecutive negative ITG tests. 
59 

b. Immature females—Immature female bison under 3 years of 

age not born in the facility and continually penned 

within a test-negative ITG must be bred to a testnegative male from a holding pen or ITG, complete a 

gestation cycle, calve, and pass a minimum of three 

consecutive negative ITG tests. 

The first ITG test must be conducted when the ITG 

starts the quarantine period before being bred. The 

second ITG test must be conducted at least 30 days and 

not more than 90 days after each female has calved, and 

the third ITG test must be conducted 6 months after the 

last animal has calved in the ITG. 

Each postparturient female bison must have discharges, 

fluids, and swabs collected and cultured within 5 days 

after calving. There must be at least 12 months 

between the first and last consecutive negative ITG 

tests. 

3. Calves—Calves born in the ABQF from a test- and/or 

culture-negative ITG of adult pregnant females may be 

released from quarantine at 6 months of age or older 

provided that all of the following conditions are met: 

(1) there have been no reactor animals in the ITG 

immediately after their birth or within 1 month prior to 

their birth, (2) all calves in the ITG are serologically 

test negative, (3) each adult in the ITG is serologically 

test negative at least 30 days postcalving and culturally 

test negative within 5 days postcalving, and (4) the adult 

animals in the ITG have tested negative on three 

consecutive herd tests over a 12-month period. For calves 

born to females that were pregnant at the time of entrance 

into the ABQF and/or calves born during a time in which 

reactors are disclosed, the male calves would be 

classified as “immature males” and be tested as in 2(a) 

above, the females would be classified as “immature 

females” and be tested as in 2(b) above, or the calves 

could be neutered and released from quarantine without 

restrictions. 

4. Test- and/or culture-positive animals or animals that die 

in quarantine—Any aborted fetus, stillborn animal, or an 

animal that dies in the ABQF for any reason, will be 

necropsied, serologically tested, and have its tissues and 

other appropriate specimens cultured for Brucella. Tissue 

collection methods should be based on the sampling 

protocol outlined by the Greater Yellowstone Interagency 

Brucellosis Committee (GYIBC). Any culture and/or 
60 

serologically test-positive animal found in an ITG will 

cause the ITG to restart the quarantine requirements. 

Restarting the quarantine requires the ITG to be tested 

every 30–45 days until all animals classified as reactors 

have been removed from the ITG and a complete ITG test is 

negative. Bred female bison in the ITG that have been 

pregnancy checked and determined not be pregnant must be 

sacrificed, necropsied, and have specimens collected and 

cultured. In addition, a complete epidemiologic 

assessment will be made of all test- or culture-positive 

cases of brucellosis within the ABQF. All Brucella

culture-positive animals and/or all animals classified as 

reactors must be removed from the ABQF within 15 days of 

being identified. They must be neutered, slaughtered, or 

moved to an approved research facility. 

5. Breeding bulls—Bulls must be tested negative for 

brucellosis within 30 days of being placed within an ITG 

for breeding purposes or be from an ITG that has qualified 

for a quarantine release. 

6. Neutered animals—Neutered bison may be released from 

quarantine without restrictions. 

7. Postquarantine requirements—The entire ITG must qualify 

for quarantine release before any individual bison within 

the ITG may be released to a group or individual in a 

State or area. All animals released from the ITG must be 

retested at approximately 6 months and 12 months after 

release to verify that they remain test negative. An 

agreement to test must be signed by the receiving owners 

or managers before the animals will be released into their 

custody. The agreement must also state that the animals 

must be kept separate from all other animals until the 6- 

month test has been completed. In addition, the State 

Animal Health Authorities in the State of destination must 

authorize movement into their State. 

Table 9 summarizes the testing protocols for bison of 

various ages. 
61 

Table 9—Testing protocols for bison, by age and sex 

________________________________________________________________________________ 

Minimum Minimum Minimum 

tests required test quarantine 

to release intervals periods 

________________________________________________________________________________ 

Sexually 3 first: start of quarantine period 1 year 

mature second : at least 180 days after first test 

males third : at least 12 months after first test 

Pregnant 5 first : before calving 11⁄2 years 

females second : between 30 and 90 days after 

each animal has calved during first 

 and second calvings 

Last: 6 months after last animal has 

calved during first and second calvings 

Nonpregnant 3 first : before breeding 11⁄2 years 

sexually second : between 30 and 90 days after 

mature each animal has calved 

females Last: 6 months after last animal 

has calved 

Immature 3 first: start of quarantine period 1 year 

males second: at least 180 days after first test 

third: at least 12 months after the first 

test, and at least 3 years of age 

Immature 3 first: before bred 21⁄2 years 

females second: between 30 and 90 days after 

each animal has calved 

Last: 6 months after last animal 

has calved 

Calves* 1 One test at 6 months of age 1⁄2 year 

________________________________________________________________________________ 

* Calves born to females that were pregnant upon entry into the ABQF and calves born in an ITG in which 

reactors have been disclosed shall not be released as calves. 

E. Individual Herd Plan 

1. The herd owner (and his or her veterinarian if the owner so 

requests) and a veterinarian of the Cooperative State–

Federal Brucellosis Eradication Program are to develop a 

plan for eliminating brucellosis from each affected herd. 

The plan is to be formalized as a memorandum of agreement 

between the owner and animal health officials. The plan 

may be reevaluated and changed if all the parties concerned 

agree. It is the responsibility of all parties 
62 

 to the agreement to adhere to the plan throughout the 

period of eradication of the disease from this herd. 

The plan must be designed to reduce and then eliminate 

brucellosis within the herd, to prevent spread to other 

herds, and to prevent the reintroduction of brucellosis 

after the herd is free of the disease. 

Developers of the plan should consider the following 

factors: 

a. The brucellosis classification of the State in which 

the herd is located, 

b. The risk of spread to other herds of cattle and/or 

bison (potential “offsite costs” to other herd owners 

and society), 

c. The amount of infection and possible exposure within 

the affected herd, 

d. The type of cattle and/or bison operation, and 

e. How herd management practices and economic factors 

relate to procedures for controlling and eradicating 

the disease. 

2. Vaccination of calves should be discussed with the owner 

and recommended for calves that are in high-risk areas or 

that may be sold into high-risk areas. In special 

situations, whole-herd vaccination may be recommended with 

concurrence of appropriate State and Federal officials. 

The developers are to prepare a written plan that will be 

epidemiologically sound for the particular herd. It is to 

include 

a. Testing schedules, 

b. Herd health management practices, 

c. Procedures to handle preparturient and parturient cows, 

d. The exit and/or entry of cattle and/or bison into the 

herd, 

e. Identification of cattle and/or bison, 

f. Sanitation practices, and 
63 

g. The use of an approved Brucella vaccine. 

The plan should also include other appropriate practices 

to confine and eliminate the disease. 

3. When suspects are found in any herds, a similar individual 

herd plan may be initiated. This plan should include 

testing schedules and management plans that will minimize 

spread of brucellosis within the herd or to other herds. 

4. For heifers and heifer calves in herds known to be 

affected, the plan must contain the following 

restrictions: 

a. All heifer herds must be included under the quarantine. 

b. All heifer calves between 4 and 8 months of age at the 

time the herd is quarantined must be officially 

vaccinated for brucellosis or identified with an 

official eartag. 

c. All non-Brucella abortus Strain 19-vaccinated heifer 

calves over 6 months of age must be considered test 

eligible and must be included in all herd tests if kept 

in the herd. 

d. All Brucella abortus Strain 19 calfhood-vaccinated 

heifers remaining in the herd must be included in all 

herd tests, provided that the animals have been 

vaccinated for at least 6 months. 

e. All Strain 19 vaccinated heifer calves that have been 

vaccinated for at least 6 months and all nonvaccinated 

heifer calves at least 8 months of age that are 

maintained separately from the adult herd immediately 

after weaning should be included on the recommended 6- 

to 12-month postquarantine release test. It is also 

recommended that all heifers be tested immediately 

prior to breeding and at appropriate intervals 

thereafter until they have calved. 

f. All calves in an infected herd are included under the 

herd quarantine restrictions. If the heifer calves are 

not retained in the herd, they should be calfhoodvaccinated. Calves may be moved only if they comply 

with the following requirements: 

(1) The calves must be “S”-branded or neutered, or 
64 

(2) Sexually intact heifer calves must be quarantined 

and held separate and apart from the affected adult 

herd after weaning until the heifer calves are 

negative on an official test no sooner than 30 days 

following completion of their first calving, or 

(3) Sexually intact heifer calves may remain in the 

affected adult herd, but the entire herd shall not 

be released from quarantine until all such heifer 

calves have matured and calved, after which the 

entire herd must be tested negative for brucellosis 

no sooner than 30 days after the last heifer has 

calved to qualify for quarantine release. 

F. Herd Depopulation 

Among the strategies for eradicating the disease, State and 

Federal animal health personnel should consider depopulating 

brucellosis-affected herds that have a high rate of infection 

or an infection of long duration, or affected herds found in 

areas that were previously free of brucellosis. 

G. Retesting Reactors 

Within 3 days after being notified of the results of an 

initial herd blood test, the owner may request an additional 

blood test on reactors at his or her own expense. The 

request must be based on sound epidemiologic evidence, and 

all animals must remain under herd quarantine. 

H. Reclassifying Reactors 

Under certain conditions, reactors may be eligible for 

reclassification, as provided for in chapter 1, part II, 

section 7H. 

I. Cleaning and Disinfection 

Premises must be cleaned and disinfected under State or 

Federal supervision within 15 days after reactors have been 

removed for slaughter. The time may be extended 15 days for 

reasons mutually acceptable to the cooperating State and 

Federal officials in charge. The requirements of 9 CFR 51 

must be met to qualify for Federal indemnity. 

J. Identifying Reactor Cattle and Bison 

All reactor cattle and/or bison must be permanently 
65 

identified by hot-iron branding with the letter “B” (at least 

2 × 2 inches) on the tailhead over the fourth to the seventh 

coccygeal vertebrae. An approved reactor tag must be placed 

in the left ear. Reactors must be identified within 15 days 

of the test date. The time may be extended 15 days for 

reasons mutually acceptable to the cooperating State and 

Federal officials in charge. The requirements of 9 CFR 51 

must be met to qualify for Federal indemnity. 

K. Identifying Exposed Cattle and Bison 

All exposed cattle and/or bison moving from a herd of origin, 

from a livestock market to a quarantined feedlot or 

quarantined pasture, or to immediate slaughter must be 

identified by branding the letter “S” (at least 2 × 2 inches) 

with a hot iron high on the tailhead over the fourth to the 

seventh coccygeal vertebrae. The exposed cattle and/or bison 

must be identified with the “S” brand before being moved. 

However, there are six exceptions: 

1. Exposed cattle and/or bison while in the herd of origin 

may be identified by other means, and a permit may be 

issued to the owner to move them to a livestock market, 

where they must be identified by “S” brand upon arrival. 

2. Cattle and/or bison exposed at the livestock market may be 

returned to the herd of origin under quarantine for 

further testing without an “S” brand. 

3. Exposed cattle and/or bison may move with an “S”-brand 

permit from the herd of origin or from specifically 

approved markets directly to Federal- or State-inspected 

slaughter establishments in a sealed truck without being 

permanently identified by “S” branding. 

4. Finished-fed heifers may move directly from the 

quarantined feedlot to Federal- or State-inspected 

slaughter establishments without an “S” brand. 

5. Exposed cattle and/or bison may move directly to slaughter 

at Federal- or State-inspected establishments without “S” 

branding when the movement does not require rail or motor 

carrier transportation. 

6. Exposed cattle and/or bison in herd depopulations must be 

“B”-branded or moved for immediate slaughter using USDA 

backtags for identification and escorted to slaughter by a 

State or VS representative or moved directly to slaughter 

in vehicles that have been closed with official seals. 

L. Identifying Suspects 

Cattle and/or bison classified as suspects that are being 
66 

moved or sold must be identified and moved in the same manner 

as prescribed for exposed cattle and/or bison. 

If suspects are moved from a herd of origin directly to a 

livestock market without changing ownership, they are exempt 

from the “S”-branding requirement. However, they must be 

tested or “S”-branded upon arriving at the market. 

M. Identifying Untested Test-Eligible Cattle and Bison 

Cattle and/or bison that are being moved or sold in marketing 

channels and that originate from Class B States or areas 

shall move in the same manner as prescribed for exposed 

cattle and/or bison unless they are part of a Certified 

Brucellosis-Free Herd. Testing of test-eligible cattle 

and/or bison is required at the first point of concentration. 

N. Identifying Spayed Heifers 

Spayed heifers may be officially identified by applying a 

hot-iron brand high on the tailhead on either or both sides 

using an open spade design, as used in playing cards (♠), of 

not less than 3 inches high. 

7. Epidemiologic Procedures

A. Epidemiologic Services 

The Brucellosis Eradication Program will furnish 

epidemiologic services to aid veterinarians and herd owners 

in preventing and controlling brucellosis, with the goal of 

eradicating the disease. To accomplish this goal, the 

following epidemiology-related services will be instituted: 

1. State and Federal veterinarians who have responsibilities 

in the Brucellosis Program will attend an APHIS short 

course or its equivalent on brucellosis epidemiology 

within the first year they are assigned to the Program. 

Those who have been working in the Program but who have 

not attended a brucellosis epidemiology course will 

receive this training at the earliest possible date. They 

will attend refresher courses every other year or whenever 

they are made available. (See VS Memorandum 551.10) 
67 

2. Accredited veterinarians performing official brucellosis 

work will be required to participate in a structured 

program of continuing education on Program elements. At 

least once during each 3-year period after the initial 

program, they will attend a refresher course on the 

Program. 

3. State livestock inspectors and APHIS animal health 

technicians will be required to participate in a 

structured course of continuing education on the Program. 

They will attend refresher courses annually. 

4. Each State brucellosis program supervisor will notify the 

State public health agency within 15 days of the time a 

herd has been quarantined for brucellosis. The public 

health agency will be requested by program officials to 

mail an educational letter to the owners of quarantined 

herds. 

5. Each State should require that an educational statement on 

brucellosis be given to buyers and sellers at the time 

cattle or bison change ownership, to: 

a. Create an awareness that brucellosis is a contagious 

disease, 

b. Reduce the risk of buying or selling brucellosisinfected cattle or bison, 

c. Encourage new owners to test cattle and bison 45–120 

days after purchase, 

d. Encourage owners in high-risk areas to vaccinate 

calves, and 

e. Motivate buyers or sellers to take positive actions to 

prevent the spread of brucellosis. 

The statement should be: 

a. Designed to meet varying conditions on a State-by-State 

or regional basis according to the need for education, 

b. Written in plain English and have the approval of the 

responsible State and Federal officials, and 
68 

c. Printed in large, easily readable type on paper of a 

contrasting color that will attract the attention of 

buyers and sellers. 

The statement should become a part of the necessary papers 

involved in any livestock transaction, such as brand 

release, bill of sale, health certificate, etc., with 

copies for both buyer and seller. 

Figure 1 is an example of such a statement. 

Brucellosis is a Contagious Disease 

Learn How To Reduce Your Risk of Buying BrucellosisInfected Cattle and/or Bison 

$Save Dollars$—Read This

Brucellosis-exposed cattle or bison may be blood-test 

negative at the time of sale because they are 

incubating the disease and do not yet produce a 

positive result on the blood test. 

To reduce risks of spreading disease from cattle and bison 

that are incubating brucellosis at the time of sale and to 

save dollars, follow these recommendations: 

1. Ask the seller to give you information on the 

brucellosis status of the herd or herds of origin of 

any cattle or bison you purchase. 

2. Take appropriate precautions to protect these cattle 

and bison from exposure to brucellosis while you own 

them. 

3. Have the cattle and bison blood-tested for brucellosis 

between 45 and 120 days after you purchase them, to 

check for previously incubating infection. 

4. If the blood tests indicate brucellosis, ask your 

veterinarian and a veterinarian from the State animal 

health agency to evaluate the situation and provide 

assistance to save you dollars that otherwise could be 

lost. 

For Further Information

Call telephone number ___–___–____ 

or write (name and address of State animal health agency) 
69 

Increase Protection With Vaccination

Vaccination with an approved Brucella vaccine is 

recommended in high-risk areas to increase protection for 

calves that may be sold or exposed to Brucellosis in the 

future. 

B. Adjacent Herds and Epidemiologically Traced Herd Testing 

Adjacent herds or herds sharing common pasture or having 

other contact with a herd affected with brucellosis and herds 

containing previous purchases from or exchanges with an 

affected herd must have an approved action plan within 15 

days in Class Free and Class A States and areas and within 45 

days in Class B States and areas from the time the affected 

herd is disclosed (see chapter 1, part III, section 1C3). 

The plan should be adapted to the circumstances and may 

require handling the herd as an affected herd. If a 

disagreement occurs on the method of handling the herd, the 

herd owner, the State animal health official, the designated 

brucellosis epidemiologist, and, if requested, the owner's 

veterinarian will meet to resolve the differences. 

When a brucellosis-affected herd is depopulated, the owners 

of the potentially exposed herds including adjacent herds (as 

defined in chapter 1, part I) must have a final negative herd 

test a minimum of 6 months, and preferably 12 months, after 

the index herd is depopulated unless a variance is granted by 

the designated brucellosis epidemiologist. If the designated 

brucellosis epidemiologist determines that a second test is 

not required, the State or Federal animal health 

representative will prepare a statement indicating the 

reasons that a second test is not needed. The statement will 

be included in the herd file and a copy will be given to the 

herd owner. 

C. Individual Herd Plan 

(See chapter 1, part II, section 6E.) 

D. Traceback and Investigation of Reactors 

1. Successful traceback of MCI reactors (cattle or bison)—A 

successful traceback of MCI reactors occurs when the herd 

of origin is located and the herd is tested when 

necessary. Tracebacks to dealers, commission firms, or 

other intermediate points are considered successful only 

if all possible herds of origin are located and the herds 

are tested when necessary. In order to close an 

investigation of a “sold-out” MCI cattle or bison reactor 

herd as a successful traceback, the slaughter of the 

animals and the absence of any test-eligible cattle and/or 
70 

bison remaining on premises must be confirmed and 

documented (see chapter 1, part I, Herd). Tracebacks to 

feedlots (see chapter 1, part I, Feedlot) are considered 

successful if the feedlots are quarantined and the animals 

are then tested or slaughtered. Tracebacks to quarantined 

feedlots and to quarantined pastures (see chapter 1, part 

I, for definitions of these terms) are successful and are 

reported as traced to known reactor herds. A pre-entry 

test of test-eligible cattle or bison is required for 

cattle or bison entering quarantined pastures. An entry 

test is required within 30 days prior to entry or upon 

entry for all test-eligible cattle and bison entering a 

quarantined feedlot from Class A and B States. 

2. Epidemiologic investigation of MCI reactors (cattle and 

bison)—Every traceback of MCI cattle and/or bison reactors 

requires an epidemiologic investigation and follow-up 

(including traces to “sold-out” herds) to effectively 

locate and control the disease. This investigation must 

include the following: 

a. If a reactor in marketing channels had positive test 

results on the CF test, rivanol test, or card test 

(when the card was the only test conducted), or had 

appropriate supplemental test titers, then: 

(1) A herd blood test of the herd of origin must be 

performed, unless the epidemiologic investigation 

indicates that the results of the blood tests of 

the MCI cattle or bison reactors were not caused 

by field strains of Brucella. When a herd blood 

test is not performed, a State or Federal animal 

health representative will prepare a statement 

indicating that the findings of the epidemiologic 

investigation were discussed with the owner or the 

owner's representative and will include a list of 

the reasons the herd was not tested. The 

statement must be signed by both parties, and both 

parties must receive a copy for future reference. 

(2) Contact and/or adjacent herds must be identified, 

recorded, and investigated. 

(3) In Class Free and Class A States or areas, all 

sales following the estimated date of onset of 

infection must be traced, and the herds of 

destination must be identified, recorded, and 

tested for evidence of infection. If the herd is 

not tested, a statement must be prepared as in (1) 

above. In Class B States or areas, these 

procedures will be carried out to the extent 

resources are available. 
71 

(4) If the herd of origin is negative, the herd will 

be retested 30 to 90 days later if the designated 

brucellosis epidemiologist considers it necessary. 

(5) If the reactor in marketing channels has not been 

slaughtered and the herd of origin no longer 

exists or the owner decides to slaughter all of 

the exposed animals in the herd of origin, the 

tissues from the reactor animal(s) should be 

cultured for Brucella. State and Federal animal 

health personnel must conduct epidemiologic 

investigations of the adjacent herds and other 

contact herds to determine if infection is 

present. The designated brucellosis 

epidemiologist will determine the extent of the 

investigation. 

E. Traceback and Investigation of Suspects 

1. If a suspect in marketing channels was positive on 

presumptive tests but was negative or suspect on the CF 

test, rivanol test, or supplemental test, the owner must 

be informed of the results in writing, by telephone, or by 

personal visit. A joint decision between the animal 

health authorities and the owner will be reached to test 

or not to test the herd. Any decision not to test must be 

documented. The herd must be tested if reasonable doubt 

exists about the reason for the serologic response, if 

other evidence of Brucella infection is present, or if the 

status of adjacent, contact, or other herds in the 

community is questionable. 

2. If the herd of origin for these suspects no longer exists 

or the owner decides to “S”-brand the suspect(s) rather 

than return them to the herd of origin, the State and 

Federal animal health personnel must conduct epidemiologic 

investigations of the adjacent herds and other contact or 

source herds to determine if infection is present. The 

designated brucellosis epidemiologist will determine the 

extent of the investigation. 
72 

F. Classification of Cattle and Bison 

1. Serologic tests—Animals are classified as Negative, 

Suspect, or Reactor based in part on their serologic test 

results, using the criteria below for classification. 

Titer responses for all cattle or bison must be evaluated 

by a trained, experienced epidemiologist(s) who has been 

designated to perform and/or supervise this function in 

each of the States. The designated brucellosis 

epidemiologist must take into consideration the animal and 

herd history and other epidemiologic factors. The 

designated brucellosis epidemiologist has the authority to 

deviate from the reactor criteria but must document the 

reasons for doing so. 

2. Other diagnostic tests and methods—Infection of animals by 

Brucella may also be indicated or confirmed by other 

diagnostic procedures such as the bacteriologic 

cultivation and isolation of Brucella from tissues, 

secretions, or excretions and positive agglutination in 

tests such as the semen plasma test. 

G. Reclassifying Reactors 

Animals initially classified as reactors, including MCI 

reactors,may be eligible for reclassification, provided that: 

1. Tests are available that support such action, and 

2. A complete epidemiologic investigation of the herd is 

conducted, and there is no evidence of exposure to or 

infection with Brucella, and 

3. The herd in which the animals have been maintained remains 

under quarantine pending final classification, and 

4. Final classification is determined by the designated brucellosis 

epidemiologist. 

Table 10 explains the criteria used for classification of animals 

using serologic responses to various tests. 
73 

Table 10 - Serologic classification of cattle and/or bison by vaccination status

______________________________________________________________________________________________ 

Non-Strain 19 vaccinates Strain 19 vaccinates 

(6 months of age and older1,2) (test-eligible) 

_________________________________________________________________________________ 

Serologic 

tests Negative Suspect Reactor Negative Suspect Reactor 

______________________________________________________________________________________________ 

BAPA No Not used to classify as suspect No Not used to classify as suspect 

or RAP agglutination. or reactors but only to identify agglutination. or reactors but only to identify 

those samples that must be those samples that must be 

tested by other test procedures. tested by other test procedures. 

Standard Complete Any aggluti- Complete Complete Any aggluti- Complete 

plate and agglutination nation at the agglutination agglutination nation at the agglutination 

standard at 1:25 or 1:50 titer or at the 1:100 at the 1:50 1:100 titer or at the 1:200 

tube (SPT lower. incomplete titer or titer or incomplete titer or 

and STT) agglutination higher. lower. agglutination higher. 

at the 1:100 at the 1:200 

dilution dilution. 

Card test No Agglutination Agglutination No Agglutination Agglutination 

 agglutination. present and present (when agglutination. present and present (when 

SPT or STT the card test other tests the card test 

is negative. is the only test are performed is the only test 

An animal conducted). and are used conducted). 

positive on for evaluating 

card test must animal’s status. 

be classified as Animal must be 

as a suspect or classified as a 

a reactor. suspect or a 

reactor. 

Manual CF 1+ (25% 2+ (50% 2+ (50% 1+ (25% At least 2+ 1+ (25% 

test fixation) at fixation) at fixation) at fixation) at (50% fixation) fixation) at 

 the 1:10 the 1:10 the 1:20 the 1:10 at the 1:10 the 1:4 

 dilution or dilution or dilution or dilution or dilution but dilution or 

 lower. higher but higher. Lower less than 1+ higher. 

 less than 2+ (25% fixation) 

 (50% fixation) at the 1:40 

 at the 1:20 dilution. 

 dilution 

_______________________________________________________________________________________________ 

1

 Except steers and spayed heifers. 

2

 Animals that were unofficially vaccinated against brucellosis are considered nonvaccinates. 
74 

Table 10 continued – Serologic classification of cattle and/or bison by vaccination status 

 Non-Strain 19 vaccinates Strain 19 vaccinates 

 (6 months of age and older1,2) (test-eligible) 

______________________________________________________________________________________________ 

 Serologic 

 tests Negative Suspect Reactor Negative Suspect Reactor 

______________________________________________________________________________________________ 

Technician No fixation Fixation at the Fixation at the May have Fixation at the Fixation at the 

automated at the 1:5 1:5 dilution but 1:10 dilution fixation at the 1:10 dilution 1:20 dilution 

test dilution. no fixation at or higher. 1:5 dilution but no fixation or higher. 

the 1:10 dilution. or lower but at 1:20. 

no fixation at 

the 1:10 

dilution. 

Rivanol Incomplete Not Complete Incomplete Complete Complete 

test agglutination applicable. agglutination agglutination agglutination agglutination 

at the 1:25 at the 1:25 at the 1:25 at the 1:25 at the 1:25 

dilution or dilution or dilution or dilution or dilution or 

lower. higher. lower. Note: higher but higher when: 

If an animal no aggluti- (1) CF test is 

was adult- nation at the not done, or 

vaccinated 1:100 (2) CF test is 

within the dilution if the done and is in 

previous 5 CF test is the reactor 

months, an done and is category, or (3) 

Incomplete in the nega- when the rivanol 

agglutination tive or test shows 

at the 1:50 suspect incomplete 

titer level or category. agglutination at 

lower is the 1:100 titer or 

considered higher, regardnegative. less of CF result. 

PCFIA S/N values S/N values S/N values Same values Same values Same values 

greater than less than or less than or as Negative as Suspect as Reactor 

0.6. equal to 0.6 equal to 0.3 Non-Strain Non-Strain Non-Strain 19 

and greater 19 vaccinates 19 vaccinates vaccinates 

than 0.3 

FPA Negative Suspect Reactor Negative Suspect Reactor 

Less than 11 11–20 mp units ≥ 21 mp Less than 11 11–20 mp units ≥ 21 mp units 

millipolari- greater than over the units greater greater than over the averzation (mp) the average of average of than the aver- the average age of the 

units greater the negative the nega- age of the of the nega- negative 

than the aver- control tive control negative tive control control 

age of the 

negative 

control 

1

 Except steers and spayed heifers. 

2

 Animals that were unofficially vaccinated against brucellosis are considered nonvaccinates. 
75 

H. Specific Assignments and Responsibilities of a Designated 

Brucellosis Epidemiologist 

Designated brucellosis epidemiologists have been assigned certain 

specific responsibilities as part of their duties: 

 1. Test interpretation and classification

 a. To evaluate the titer responses for all cattle and bison, 

taking into consideration the animal and herd history and 

other epidemiologic factors affecting the classification. 

The designated brucellosis epidemiologist has authority to 

deviate from suspect and reactor classifications and to 

reclassify MCI reactors for purposes of State or area 

classification, provided that additional information and 

tests are available to support such action. 

 b. To determine the final classification of animals that were 

initially classified as reactors, following a complete 

epidemiologic investigation of the herd. 

 c. To determine the interpretation and use of supplemental 

tests. 

 d. To evaluate retest results on MCI suspects that were 

returned to the herd of origin under quarantine and declare 

the animal a stabilized suspect if a classification other 

than negative or reactor is warranted. 

 2. Epidemiologic investigation and evaluation

 a. To determine the scope of the epidemiologic investigation 

that is initiated for Brucella infections located among 

herds that were adjacent to or that had epidemiologic 

contact with the herd of origin of a market cattle suspect, 

when the herd of origin no longer exists or the suspect is 

not available for retesting. 

 b. To assist the State animal health official, the herd 

owner, and, if requested, the herd owner's veterinarian to 

resolve differences in the proposed action plan for 

handling herds that are adjacent to or epidemiologically 

involved with an affected herd. 

 c. To determine the extent of the investigation that will be 

conducted on adjacent herds and other contact herds when an 

MCI reactor herd of origin has been sold before a herd 

blood test has been performed. 

 3. Continued surveillance of suspicious herds

 a. To determine the necessity for retesting the herd of 

origin of MCI cattle and bison reactors when the initial 
76 

herd blood test was negative. 

 b. To determine the necessity for retesting those herds that 

received cattle and/or bison from affected herds when the 

initial herd blood test was negative. 

 c. To evaluate each dairy herd that participated in a 

whole-herd vaccination plan and that continues to 

be suspicious on BRT surveillance after being 

released from quarantine
77 

 

Part III. Participation in Area Plans

1. Certification of States or Areas (Cattle and/or Bison)

A. Obtaining Initial Certification Status 

To obtain initial status as a Brucellosis Class Free, A, or B 

State or area, States or areas must use one or more of the 

accepted methods listed in chapter 2, parts II–IV, for 

qualifying for that particular status. The States or areas must 

meet all of the qualifying standards listed in those parts. 

B. Maintaining Certification Status 

 State and Federal officials in charge of Program activities in 

each State are responsible for continuously evaluating the 

efficiency of local procedures for locating and eliminating 

infected cattle and bison. The minimum standards as described 

for each plan in chapter 2, parts II–IV, must be met or exceeded 

throughout the certification period to maintain continuous 

status. A review committee including representatives from 

States, universities, and industry will evaluate each State's 

brucellosis program as needed but at least once every 3 years. 

To maintain certification, the State and Federal officials in 

that State must prepare an annual report showing the degree of 

uniformity and adequacy of the surveillance measures, the number 

of suspicious and affected herds disclosed, infection rates, and 

the adequacy of Program standards within the area. The content 

and format of the annual report is available in VS Memorandum 

No. 551.4, which is revised as needed. 

C. Terminating Certification Status 

 State or area certification status may be terminated at any time 

during the period with 10 days' notice if the State or area: 

 1. Does not have continuous and adequate surveillance measures, 

including adjacent herd and epidemiologic tracing measures; 

or 

 2. Has excessive herd infection rates; or 

 3. Fails to comply with quarantine requirements, with testing 

schedules, or with initial testing schedules for suspicious 

herds detected by the surveillance measures, including those 

herds designated as adjacent herds and those designated as 

epidemiologically traced herds (see chapter 1, part II, 

section 7B); or 

4. Improperly disposes of reactors or exposed animals. 
78 

It may not be necessary to terminate area status if the 

specific State's legal representative has initiated legal 

action against a livestock owner who fails to follow Program 

standards in the ways described in 2 and 3 of this section 

and if the State authorities are actively pursuing the case. 

D. Reinstating Certification Status 

 

When States or areas lose certification status because of 

deficiencies in levels of surveillance or in procedures 

necessary for locating affected herds, controlling infected and 

exposed animals, and eliminating infected animals, as 

prescribed under this UM&R, the certification status may be 

reinstated when the State and Federal officials in that State 

present sufficient evidence that the procedural deficiencies 

have been corrected. Areas in which these deficiencies have 

not been corrected within 6 months of the termination of the 

status must requalify for initial certification. 

When States or areas lose certification status because of an 

excessive herd infection rate due to field strains of Brucella 

abortus or failure to maintain an acceptable MCI reactor 

successful case closure percentage, the State or area must 

qualify as for initial certification. 

E. Federal Quarantines Within Class A States 

Within Class A States, it is possible to have State–Federal 

quarantines of circumscribed areas of cattle or bison 

populations without loss or denial of Class A status for the 

State. 

1. Conditions under which a Federal quarantine may be approved 

within Class A States: 

 

a. The chairman of the Brucellosis Committee of the United 

States Animal Health Association (USAHA) appoints a 

committee of five members to review an application from 

cooperating State and Federal animal health officials for 

a State to retain status as Class A, or to advance to 

that status, when data indicate that the State has an 

area that no longer qualifies as Class A or does not 

qualify for advancement to Class A status. 

b. No State may have more than two such areas. 

c. All members appointed to the committee must be 

knowledgeable about brucellosis. 

d. The committee should be made up of a representative from 

each of the following: the cattle and/or bison industry, 

a university, a State-level animal health organization 

and USDA–APHIS–VS (with these representatives coming from 

two nonadjacent States), and the USAHA Brucellosis 
79 

Committee. 

e. No members may be residents of the State that is making 

application. 

2. The format for the application for quarantine—Class A States 

requesting a quarantine will prepare a cooperative State–

Federal agreement. This agreement will define the responsibility of each agency for the following specific items 

and issues: 

a. The procedures and responsibilities for placing and 

enforcing quarantines both on the area and herds within 

the area, 

 

 b. The procedures to permit movement for specific purposes 

both within the defined area and from the defined area, 

c. The legal description of geographic boundaries of the 

areas to be quarantined, and 

d. The specific time period for eliminating all foci of 

infection. 

3. Requirements for submitting the application: 

a. The application must be accompanied by evidence that the 

majority of the livestock industry members from the area 

who participated in developing the proposed plan are 

aware of the restrictions it will require and will assist 

in monitoring and enforcing the plan. 

b. Before the application is submitted, the State must be 

certain that the application includes provisions for 

moving cattle and/or bison to slaughter identified with 

“B” or “S” brands under permit (VS Form 1-27 or 

equivalent), or moving them for other purposes with a 

certificate showing a negative test on each animal within 

30 days before the animal is moved. 
80 

c. Appropriate legal authority and adequate funding must be 

available to carry out the provisions of the application. 

d. The application may not be for areas larger than two 

counties, and the areas must have clearly defined 

boundaries which provide geographic barriers that allow 

movement of cattle and/or bison into and out of the area 

to be monitored and restricted. 

e. The time period to eliminate all foci of infection must 

be no longer than 2 years. 

4. Monitoring and reporting: 

a. Semiannual progress reports must be submitted to VS. 

b. The reports will be reviewed and forwarded to committee 

members together with appropriate comments. 

c. The committee may request additional reports at more 

frequent intervals and/or more detail on some components 

of the report. 

5. Terminating the quarantine: 

a. The area quarantine will be terminated and the area 

restored or advanced to Class A status when all 

requirements for Class A status have been met. 

b. The area quarantine may be terminated and the entire 

State reclassified as Class B at any time the review 

committee recommends this action, or when the time period 

approved by the committee expires. 

F. Two Areas in a State 

If a State requests a two-area classification, a USAHA committee 

will be appointed and must assure that all of the following 

specific criteria will be met. 

1. Legislative authority—Legislative authority exists for 

maintaining separate areas within the State. 

2. Regulatory authority—Regulatory authority exists for 

maintaining separate areas within the State. 

3. Resources—Resources are available and are committed to 

maintaining separate areas within the State. 
81 

4. Method—A credible method exists for monitoring and 

controlling the movement of animals across the boundaries. 

Chapter 2. Bovine Brucellosis

Part I. Certified Brucellosis-Free Herds of Cattle or Bison 

1. Qualifying Methods

A herd may qualify for status as a Certified Brucellosis-Free Herd 

by one of the following methods: 

A. Brucellosis Milk Surveillance Test (BMST) 

For initial certification, a dairy herd must have a minimum of 

four consecutive negative BMSTs conducted at intervals of 90 

days or more. This series must be followed by a negative herd 

blood test conducted within 90 days after the last negative 

BMST. 

For re-certification, a herd must have a negative herd blood 

test. For purposes of certifying or re-certifying a herd, the 

herd blood test must include all natural-addition heifers and 

bulls that are 18 months of age or older. If a dairy herd has 

been certified by BMST as specified immediately above or by herd 

blood tests as specified below in section B, then they may recertify by conducting four consecutive negative BMSTs at 

approximate intervals of 90 days, with the fourth test conducted 

within 60 days before the certification anniversary date. Any 

test-eligible animals that have not been in the milk herd during 

the certification period, such as bulls or purchased animals, 

must be blood-tested annually. If the re-certification test is 

conducted within 60 days after the anniversary date, the 

certification period will be 12 months from the date of the recertifying test. During the interval between the anniversary 

date and the re-certifying test, certification will be 

suspended. 

B. Complete Herd Blood Test 

For initial certification, a herd must have at least two 

consecutive negative herd blood tests, between 10 and 14 months 

apart. For purposes of certifying or re-certifying a herd, the 

herd blood test must include all natural-addition heifers and 

bulls that are 18 months of age or older. Additional herd blood 

tests may be conducted if the owner wishes or if the certifying 

agencies consider it necessary. 
82 

For continuous certification, a herd must have a negative herd 

blood test conducted within 60 days before the certification 

anniversary date. If the re-certification test is conducted 

within 60 days after the anniversary date, the certification 

period will be 12 months from the anniversary and not 12 months 

from the date of the re-certifying test. During the interval 

between the anniversary date and the re-certifying test, 

certification will be suspended. If a herd blood test for recertification is not conducted within 60 days after the 

anniversary date, then certification requirements are the same 

as for initial certification. 

C. Purchasing a Certified Brucellosis-Free Herd 

1. If a Certified Brucellosis-Free Herd is purchased, a negative 

herd blood test is not required if the purchased cattle or 

bison remain on the premises. A new certificate will be 

issued in the new owner's name. The anniversary date and the 

herd number will remain the same. 

2. If part or all of a Certified Brucellosis-Free Herd is 

purchased and the cattle and bison move directly to premises 

without other cattle or bison, they may retain their Free 

status without a test. A new certification number will be 

issued. The anniversary date of the new herd is established 

by the test date of the herd of origin or by a new herd test 

of the purchased cattle or bison.

2. Conditions for Certifying the Herd

A. Animals Included in Certification 

Certified Brucellosis-Free Herd status applies only to 

individual herds and includes all offspring. 

B. Duration of Status 

A herd is certified for 12 months. 

C. Testing Period 

For initial certification: The herd must be tested twice, 10 to 

14 months apart. If the BMST is used, herds can qualify for 

certification in 9 months. 

 For re-certification: The herd must have a negative herd blood 

 test between 10 and 12 months after the last certification date 

 for continuous status. A 60-day grace period is allowed, during 

 

 which a herd may be reinstated with a single negative herd blood 

 test. 

D. Animal Infection Rates 
83 

There must be no evidence of field strain Brucella abortus

infection in individual animals within the herd at the time the 

herd is initially certified or re-certified. 

E. Suspects 

When suspects are found, an individual herd plan must be 

developed for testing the suspect(s) in the future and for 

handling the herd as described in chapter 1, part II, section 

7C. This plan may range from a quarantine of the entire herd to 

a single retest of the suspect(s) using the appropriate tests 

described in chapter 1, part II, sections 4 and 7. 

F. Herd Status If Infection Occurs 

When one or more reactors are found in a Certified BrucellosisFree Herd or in a herd being tested for initial certification, 

the herd is considered affected and the quarantine and retest 

provisions in chapter 1, part II, sections 3 and 6, will 

apply.Initial certification: A herd qualifies for initial 

Certified Brucellosis-Free Herd status when it is free of 

infection, when all provisions for release of quarantine have 

been met, and when the additional provisions required under 

sections 1A or 1B of this part have been met. In qualifying a 

herd, a negative herd blood test and a complete epidemiologic 

investigation may be used to determine if a suspicious BMST 

indicates the presence of brucellosis. 

Recertification: If a retest of a Certified Brucellosis-Free 

Herd or of animals from the herd reveals one or more reactors, 

the herd certification will be terminated until all provisions 

for release of quarantine have been met and the additional 

provisions for initial Certified Brucellosis-Free Herd status 

required under sections 1A or 1B of this part have been met. 

Herd retests for release of quarantine may also be used to 

fulfill the provisions required under sections 1A or 1B. Herd 

certification may be reinstated without meeting the above 

provisions if there is epidemiologic and bacteriologic culture 

evidence to show that reactor(s) were not infected with fieldstrain Brucella abortus. 

G. Movement of Cattle or Bison Into a Certified Brucellosis-Free 

Herd 
84 

The following rules apply when moving cattle or bison into

Certified Brucellosis-Free Herds: 

1. From quarantined feedlots—Animals from quarantined feedlots 

may not be moved into Certified Brucellosis-Free Herds. 

2. From Certified Brucellosis-Free Herds or Class Free States or 

areas—Breeding cattle and bison originating from Certified 

Brucellosis-Free Herds or Class Free States or areas do not 

need to be tested before being moved. However, when these 

cattle or bison are added to a Certified Brucellosis-Free 

Herd, they must be tested within 60 and 120 days after being 

added in order to qualify for Certified Brucellosis-Free 

status for sale purposes. 

3. Class A or B Areas or States—Test-eligible cattle and bison 

from herds not under quarantine must have a negative blood 

test for brucellosis within 30 days before being moved. In 

addition, all other requirements for interstate or intrastate 

movement must be met. All test-eligible cattle or bison 

purchased from herds that are not Certified Brucellosis-Free 

must have a blood test between 60 and 120 days after being 

added. Animals added to a Certified Brucellosis-Free Herd 

under this provision will not receive new herd status for 

sale purposes until they have passed a test 60 to 120 days 

after being added and have been included in the herd blood 

test on the next anniversary of the re-certification test. 

H. Movement of Cattle or Bison Onto Premises With a Certified 

Brucellosis-Free Herd 

The following rules apply when moving cattle or bison onto 

premises occupied by a Certified Brucellosis-Free Herd: 

1. Animals originating from a quarantined feedlot must not be 

maintained in association with a Certified Brucellosis-Free 

Herd. 

2. Animals originating from feedlots other than quarantined 

feedlots may be held on premises with a Certified 

Brucellosis-Free Herd, provided that these cattle and bison 

meet the blood testing requirements before being moved into 

the feedlot and provided there is no contact with the 

Certified Brucellosis-Free Herd. 

I. Recognition of Certified Brucellosis-Free Herds 

 The State animal health official and the APHIS AVIC will issue a 

Brucellosis-Free Herd certificate when the herd first qualifies 

for this status. 

When the herd qualifies for recertification, the State animal 

health official will issue a certification renewal form showing 
85 

the herd certification number, the number of animals, and the 

owner. 

Part II. Class Free Status 

A State or area that achieves Class Free status is officially 

recognized as being free of brucellosis in cattle and bison. This 

part of the UM&R covers the requirements for establishing and 

maintaining Class Free status in a State or an area. It also 

covers the requirements for moving cattle and bison from and within 

Class Free States and areas. 

1. Size of Area

Class Free status usually applies to an entire State. However, a 

State may request a two-area classification. 

A State must meet all of the following specific criteria to receive 

approval of a two-area classification: 

A. Legislative Authority: 

Legislative authority must exist for maintaining separate areas 

within the State. 

B. Regulatory Authority: 

Regulatory authority must exist for maintaining separate areas 

within the State. 

C. Resources: 

Resources must exist and must be committed to maintaining 

separate areas within the State. 

D. Method: 

 A credible method must exist for monitoring and controlling the 

movement of animals across the area boundary; and its 

effectiveness must be demonstrated. APHIS will review the 

procedures with the requesting State. 

2. Duration of Status

A State or area will retain its Class Free status indefinitely, 

provided that it continues to meet the requirements for Class Free 

status. If a single affected herd is found in a Class Free State, 

the State may retain its Class Free status if it meets the 

following conditions, which must be satisfied within 60 days of the 

identification of the affected animal: (1) The affected herd must 

be immediately quarantined, tested for brucellosis, and 

depopulated; and (2) an epidemiologic investigation must be 

performed, and the investigation must confirm that brucellosis has 
86 

not spread from the affected herd. All adjacent herds, source 

herds, and contact herds must be epidemiologically investigated, 

and each of those herds must receive a complete herd test with 

negative results. 

A review will be conducted to determine that all of the provisions 

as outlined above have been satisfied. If the above conditions are 

not met, Class Free status is automatically suspended if fieldstrain Brucella abortus infection is found, except when the fieldstrain infection is found to be imported and brucellosis has not 

spread to other herds before the exposed animals have been returned 

to the State of origin or slaughtered. 

Every 12 months, all States must prepare an annual report 

summarizing their brucellosis program activities for the previous 

12 months. The annual report must include the following 

information: 

A. Herd and cattle/bison population and the source of this 

information; 

B. The dates of the reporting period; 

C. The number of BMST rounds completed during the reporting period; 

D. The number of MCI tests (slaughter MCI and all other MCI tests 

are to be reported separately); 

E. The number of MCI reactors; 

F. The number of MCI reactors traced by category, such as those 

traced to: 

1. A herd of origin in which reactors were found on the herd 

blood test, 

2. A herd of origin that had negative results on the herd blood 

test, 

3. Out-of-State origins, or 

4. Known infected herds. 

G. The number of cows and bulls 2 years of age and older that were 

slaughtered and the number of blood samples that were collected 

from these animals; 

H. The number of herds infected with field strains of Brucella 

abortus during the reporting period; 

I. The number and results of blood tests of other species of 

domestic animals; 
87 

(Items A–I are to be reported on revised VS Form 4–1, 

Application for Status. Almost all of the information required 

is available on VS or Brucellosis Recording and Reporting 

Systems [BRRS] Forms 4–33D and 4–54D [Monthly Reports on 

Brucellosis Eradication Activities], which are kept on file in 

each State.) 

J. A narrative description of: 

1. Epidemiologic surveillance investigations and results; 

2. MCI investigations and results, including the number of MCI 

reactors that cannot be traced because of a lack of applied 

identification; 

3. MCI procedures and problems at each of the slaughter 

establishments that failed to collect blood samples from 95 

percent of the cows and bulls 2 years of age and older during 

the reporting period; 

4. Verification that other standards in this UM&R have been met. 

Annual reports that disclose apparent deficiencies will be 

reviewed by VS and State officials to determine the correct 

status for the State. Annual reports may cover any 12 

consecutive months; however, no months may be unreported. If at 

any time a State meets the requirements for Class Free status, a 

State may request that it be advanced to that status and submit 

an annual report for the previous 12 months as evidence of 

qualification. 

All cattle and bison herds in which brucellosis has been known 

to exist must be legally released from quarantine before a State 

is eligible for Class Free status. In addition, all herds of 

other species of domestic livestock in which brucellosis has 

been found or suspected must be tested negative, be destroyed, 

or be quarantined, leaving no known uncontrolled foci of 

Brucella abortus infection in any species at the time of 

classification. 

3. Standards To Attain and Maintain Class Free Status

A. Surveillance 

1. Brucellosis milk surveillance test (BMST)—The BMST must be 

conducted at least two times per year at approximately 6-

month intervals. A State may increase the frequency of BMSTs 

to achieve more effective surveillance. An epidemiologic 

investigation of all herds with suspicious BMST results must 

be conducted and an approved action plan must be developed 

within 15 days of the laboratory test date. If a herd blood 

test is necessary, it should be performed within 30 days of 

the laboratory test date. A State or area may not lose Class 
88 

Free status for failing to complete the herd blood test if 

the State has taken legal action to obtain the test and 

active legal proceedings are in progress. 

Patron lists must be reviewed to ensure that all dairy herds 

producing commercial milk have been included in at least two 

BMST rounds per year. The quality of the samples used for 

the BMST will be monitored at the time the samples are 

collected. The BMST procedure will be adjusted for the size 

of the herd. (See chapter 1, part II, section 4C3.) 

2. Market Cattle and Bison Identification (MCI) program 

a. Participation 

(1) All State-inspected or federally inspected 

establishments slaughtering cattle or bison must 

participate in the MCI program. At least 95 percent 

of the cows and bulls 2 years of age and older must 

be sampled at each recognized slaughter 

establishment. In cases where sampling over the 12-

month period falls below 95 percent for specific 

plants, the actions taken to correct this deficiency 

will be evaluated in determining status. All applied 

identification (except brands and tattoos) on the 

cows and bulls 2 years of age and older at the time 

of slaughter is to be collected, and identification 

from each animal must accompany its blood sample to 

the laboratory. Failing to collect this 

identification makes it difficult to positively 

identify many market cattle or bison reactors. If 

the failure to trace reactors to the herd of origin 

is related to the failure to collect applied 

identification properly, the MCI program will be 

considered deficient in the State where the blood is 

collected. 

(2) First-point testing is required in States when they 

are making their initial efforts toward achieving 

Class Free status. Once Class Free is obtained, it 

is recommended that first-point testing continue for 

at least an additional 2 years. If a State is 

subsequently downgraded from Class Free to Class A 

status, it is not required that first-point testing 

be reinitiated unless the State has not successfuly 

regained Class Free status within 2 years of the date 

of the downgrade. 

b. Reactors—At least 90 percent of the MCI reactors during 

each 12-month period must be traced to the herd of 

origin. An investigation must be conducted as outlined 

in chapter 1, part II, section 7D, within 15 days of the 

time that the MCI test is performed or within 15 days of 
89 

the time that the results are reported to the State 

animal health official or the APHIS AVIC from the area 

involved. If States with 20 or fewer MCI reactors do not 

trace at least 90 percent of reactors to the herd of 

origin, an explanatory statement and a request for 

exemption from this standard may be prepared and 

submitted with the 12-month annual report. When a herd 

blood test is indicated, it should be conducted within 30 

days of the time the owner is officially notified of the 

MCI reactors. These herds are to be confined to the 

premises under quarantine until the herd blood test 

results are available and are negative. A State or area 

will lose status if the herds of origin of MCI reactors 

are considered suspicious after a complete epidemiologic 

investigation and are not tested within 6 months of the 

time the owner is officially notified of the MCI reactor. 

c. Reporting results—To maintain status, all MCI reactors 

originating in the reporting State are to be reported in 

the 12-month report. The report must include the number 

of successful and unsuccessful tracebacks and the number 

of herds of origin that were tested. If the traceback 

percentage falls below 90 percent, a committee will be 

designated to review the circumstances and recommend 

action to the Deputy Administrator. The committee will 

be activated by the Director of the NCAHP and will 

consist of one APHIS, VS regional epidemiologist and a 

brucellosis designated epidemiologist from another State. 

3. Epidemiologic surveillance 

a. Adjacent herds—All adjacent herds or other herds having 

contact with imported cattle or bison from an affected 

herd containing a reactor(s) must have an approved action 

plan for testing or monitoring the herd(s). These plans 

must be in effect within 15 days of the time reactors are 

found in the first herd and must include at least two 

herd blood tests, with the last test approximately 6 

months after the first herd is depopulated or freed of 

infection. (For exceptions, see chapter 1, part II, 

section 1H.) If there is disagreement about the 

necessity for testing a herd, the herd owner, the State 

animal health official or his or her representative, the 

designated brucellosis epidemiologist, and, if requested, 

the herd owner's veterinarian, will consult to resolve 

the situation. 

 b. Epidemiologically traced herds—All herds of origin of 

cattle and/or bison that have been sold into an affected 

herd and all herds receiving cattle or bison from an 

affected herd should be placed under quarantine. These 

herds must have an approved action plan for testing or 

monitoring the herd(s). The action plan must be in 
90 

effect within 15 days of locating the herd of origin or 

the recipient herd. If there is epidemiologic evidence 

that a herd blood test should be performed, the test 

should be done within 30 days. (For exceptions, see 

chapter 1, part II, section 1H.) If there is 

disagreement regarding the necessity for testing a herd, 

the herd owner, the State animal health official or his 

or her representative, the designated brucellosis 

epidemiologist, and, if requested, the herd owner's 

veterinarian will consult to resolve the situation. 

B. Herd Infection Rate 

1. States must remain free of brucellosis resulting from 

infections with field strains of Brucella abortus for 12 

months or longer. However, if a single affected herd is 

found in a Class Free State, the State may retain its Class 

Free status if it meets the following conditions, which must 

be satisfied within 60 days of the identification of the 

affected animal: (1) The affected herd must be immediately 

quarantined, tested for brucellosis, and depopulated as soon 

as practicable; and (2) an epidemiologic investigation must 

be performed, and the investigation must confirm that 

brucellosis has not spread from the affected herd. All 

adjacent herds, source herds, and contact herds must be 

epidemiologically investigated, and each of those herds must 

receive a complete herd test with negative results. 

A review will be conducted to determine that all of the 

provisions as outlined above have been satisfied. 

If the above conditions are not met, Class Free status is 

automatically suspended if field-strain Brucella abortus

infection is found, except when the field-strain infection is 

found to be imported and brucellosis has not spread to other 

herds before the exposed animals have been returned to the 

State of origin or slaughtered. If reactor animals are found 

in an imported lot of cattle or bison, the reactors must 

immediately be slaughtered. If brucellosis has not spread to 

other herds, the entire lot of exposed cattle and bison can 

be depopulated or returned to the State of origin without 

losing its status. Infections are assumed to be caused by a 

field strain until veterinary officials in the State show 

otherwise by culture or by a complete epidemiologic 

investigation that excludes field-strain infection. Herds 

proven to be infected with Strain 19 are not included in 

determining the herd infection rate, but the infected animals 

should be “S”-branded and sold for feeding or for immediate 

slaughter. 2. State or Federal representatives will conduct 

an epidemiologic investigation of each herd that has reactor 

cattle or bison within 15 days to identify the potential 

sources of infection. All potential sources must be 

contacted within 15 days to determine appropriate action. If 
91 

there are delays in contacting potential source herds, the 

State or Federal official must document any extenuating 

circumstances in the case report that is submitted to the 

Director of the NCAPH, VS, APHIS, USDA. If the source of 

infection for a reactor cannot be identified, a committee 

will be designated to review the circumstances and recommend 

actions to the Deputy Administrator. The committee will be 

activated by the Director of the NCAHP and will consist of 

the national brucellosis epidemiologist, a State veterinarian 

from the USAHA Brucellosis Committee, and an industry 

representative from the USAHA Brucellosis Committee. 

C. MCI Reactor Cases Closed Successfully 

Successfully closed cases (SCC) are cases completed on MCI 

reactors successfully traced to herds of origin. Once the trace

is successful, the case must also be closed successfully. Here 

are some examples of SCC: 
92 

1. MCI reactor is traced to known reactor herds that are 

quarantined and tested in compliance with standards in this 

UM&R. 

2. MCI reactor is traced to herds and a herd test is recommended 

and conducted in compliance with standards in this UM&R. 

3. MCI reactor is traced to a sold-out herd and movements into 

and out of the sold-out herd are traced and epidemiologically 

evaluated for testing by a designated brucellosis 

epidemiologist. 

4. MCI reactor is traced to an out-of-State herd of origin. 

5. MCI reactor is traced to a herd and a herd test is not 

recommended because: 

a. MCI reactor was not test eligible and herd history did 

not indicate a herd infection exists; 

b. MCI reactor was recently vaccinated for brucellosis; 

c. MCI reactor was recently treated with deworming medicine 

or vaccines, such as leptospirosis vaccine, that are 

reported in the literature as causing potential crossreacting titers. 

Other reasons must be documented and approved by the designated 

brucellosis epidemiologist and concurred with by the VS regional 

epidemiologist. These reasons must be justified in writing and 

must accompany annual reports. 

State or Federal representatives will conduct a complete 

epidemiologic investigation, with appropriate tests of adjacent 

and contact herds, of any herds-of-origin of MCI reactors in 

which all test-eligible cattle and bison and non-Strain 19- 

vaccinated heifers and bulls between 6 and 18 months of age have 

been eliminated by slaughter. Ninety-five percent of all MCI 

reactor tracebacks must be successfully closed. 

D. Complying With This Uniform Methods and Rules 

1. States must continuously comply with the requirements of this 

UM&R. A State's compliance will be judged by administrative 

review and epidemiologic evaluation. 

2. If a Class Free State fails to maintain the minimum 

procedural standards set forth in this UM&R, the State may be 

reclassified to Class A status. Before its status is 

lowered, the State may request a peer-group review (chapter 

1, part II, section 1I) at the State's expense. 

The State and Federal officials in charge of Program 

activities will be notified in writing of any apparent 
93 

deficiencies that may affect the status of the State's 

classification. In response, the State and Federal officials 

in charge of Program activities will determine and describe 

in writing the corrective actions the State will take. The 

response must include a schedule for taking any needed 

corrective actions. Herd infection from field strains of 

Brucella abortus in other than quarantined imported cattle 

and bison or failure to maintain an acceptable SCC percentage 

will be cause for the State to immediately lose Class Free 

status; the State will be reclassified to Class A status. A 

State may regain Class Free status by qualifying as for 

initial Class Free status. If appropriate, a State can 

regain Class Free status when it has corrected all procedural 

deficiencies causing the loss of status and a minimum of 6 

months have elapsed, demonstrating the effectiveness of the 

corrective action(s). 

4. Movement of Cattle and Bison on Change of Ownership Within and 

From Class Free States or Areas for Certain Purposes 

A. Cattle and Bison Exempt From Testing Requirements 

The following cattle and bison from nonquarantined herds are 

specifically exempt from test or certificate requirements to 

qualify for either interstate or intrastate movements. A 

certificate is required for the interstate movement of other 

cattle and bison and from Certified Brucellosis Free Herds. 

1. Steers, spayed heifers, and bulls less than 18 months of age 

from herds not under quarantine; 

2. Cattle and bison under 18 months of age as evidenced by the 

presence of the first pair of temporary incisor teeth; 

3. Official Strain 19 calfhood vaccinates of the dairy breeds 

under 20 months of age, unless they are parturient or have 

calved; 

4. Official Strain 19 calfhood vaccinates of the beef and bison 

breeds under 24 months of age as evidenced by the absence of 

the first pair of fully erupted permanent incisor teeth, 

unless they are parturient or have calved; 

5. Other cattle and bison moving directly to slaughter from a 

herd of origin; and 

 6. Other cattle and bison moving directly from Certified 

Brucellosis-Free Herds. However, a certificate is required 

for interstate movement of cattle and/or bison from Certified 

Brucellosis-Free Herds that are moved for feeding or for 

breeding. 

B. For Feeding 
94 

1. Movements to quarantined feedlots or quarantined pastures 

 a. Quarantined pastures are not allowed in Certified 

Brucellosis-Free States or areas. Therefore, no cattle 

or bison feeding in quarantined pastures may move within 

or to Class-Free States or areas. The existence of 

quarantined feedlots in Free States is discouraged. 

However, a limited number of quarantined feedlots can be 

temporarily approved within Free States or areas for 

intrastate movements of cattle and/or bison only. 

Quarantined feedlots are needed in Class Free States to 

relieve a temporary problem of suspect disposal when the 

suspects and/or exposed animals are found but are not 

suitable for slaughter. Requests for approval must be 

jointly reviewed and approved prior to use by the State 

animal health official, the APHIS AVIC, and the Deputy 

Administrator of APHIS–VS. The approval in Class Free 

States is valid for 1 year. 

b. Exposed cattle and bison from quarantined herds, except 

steers and spayed heifers, must be “S”-branded with a hot 

iron before being moved intrastate or interstate to 

quarantined feedlots. An “S”-brand permit is required 

for this movement. 

c. Test-eligible cattle and bison from other herds, 

including Certified Brucellosis-Free Herds, may move to 

quarantined feedlots without test restrictions, but a 

certificate is required. 

2. Movement to other feedlots—The testing and documentation 

requirements are the same as for breeding cattle and bison. 

C. For Immediate Slaughter 

1. Exposed animals from a quarantined herd must be “S”-branded 

with a hot iron or “B”-branded with a hot iron if the herd is 

being depopulated with indemnity and moved to slaughter. 

Such exposed animals may also be moved directly to slaughter 

in sealed vehicles without branding. Exposed animals moving 

to a quarantined feedlot must be “S”-branded with a hot iron. 

 A VS Form 1–27 is required for each of these movements. 

2. Other cattle and bison may move to slaughter establishments 

or to markets for sale for immediate slaughter or to approved 

intermediate handling facilities for movement to slaughter 

without being tested if the identity of their herd of origin 

is maintained. 

D. For Breeding 

1. A certificate is required for interstate movements of test-
95 

eligible cattle and bison from nonquarantined herds, but 

there are no premovement test requirements. A voluntary 

blood test of the cattle and bison is recommended between 45 

and 120 days after the interstate movement. 

2. Female dairy cattle and/or bison that are 4 months of age or 

older must be official vaccinates if they are moved into a 

Class B State or area, unless they are moved directly to a 

recognized slaughter establishment or to a quarantined 

feedlot. 

Female cattle and/or bison that are eligible for official 

calfhood vaccination and that are required to be officially 

vaccinated may be moved interstate directly to a specifically 

approved stockyard and be officially vaccinated upon arrival. 

It is recommended that all female breeding stock moving to 

high-risk areas be calfhood vaccinated. 

E. Calves From Affected Herds 

All calves in an affected herd are included under the herd 

quarantine restrictions. If the heifer calves are retained in 

the herd, they should be calfhood-vaccinated. Calves may be 

moved only if they comply with the following requirements: 

1. The calves must be “S”-branded or neutered, or 

2. Sexually intact heifer calves must be quarantined and held 

separate and apart from the affected adult herd after weaning 

until they are negative on an official test no sooner than 30 

days following completion of their first calving; or 

3. Sexually intact heifer calves may remain in the affected 

adult herd, but the entire herd shall not be released from 

quarantine until all such heifer calves have matured and 

calved, after which the entire herd must be tested negative 

for brucellosis no sooner than 30 days after the last heifer 

has calved to qualify for quarantine release. 

F. Rodeo Bulls 

Rodeo bulls participating in recognized and organized 

performance groups may be moved without meeting other testing 

requirements, provided that: 

1. The bulls originate from a herd not known to be affected with 

brucellosis. 

2. If the rodeo bull is moving only between Class Free States, 

no test is required. However, if it is moving to lower class 

States, the bulls must have been subjected to an official 

test for brucellosis with negative results within the 
96 

previous 12 months (test conducted less than 365 days before 

the date of movement), and 

3. Each bull is individually identified with official 

identification, and 

4. There is no change of ownership since the date of the last 

official test, and 

5. Proper health certificates accompany each movement, and 

6. State officials were properly notified of all movements, and 

permits for entry were obtained if required. 

Part III. Class A Status

This part covers the requirements for establishing and maintaining 

Class A status in a State or an area. It also covers the 

requirements for moving cattle and bison from and within Class A 

States and areas. 

1. Size of Area 

Class A status usually applies to an entire State. However, a 

State may request a two-area classification. In addition, this 

section (at chapter 1, part III, section 1E) provides for Federal 

quarantines of areas within a Class A State. 

A State must meet all of the following specific criteria to receive 

approval of a two-area classification: 

A. Legislative Authority: Legislative authority must exist for 

maintaining separate areas within the State. 

B. Regulatory Authority: Regulatory authority must exist for 

maintaining separate areas within the State. 

C. Resources: Resources must exist and must be committed to 

maintaining separate areas within the State. 

D. Method: A credible method must exist for monitoring and 

controlling the movement of animals across the area boundary, 

and its effectiveness must be demonstrated. APHIS will review 

the procedures with the requesting State. 

2. Duration of Status 

A State or area will retain its Class A status indefinitely, 

provided that it continues to meet the requirements for Class A 

status. Every 12 months, each Class A State must prepare an annual 

report summarizing its brucellosis program activities for the 

previous 12 months. The annual report must include the following 

information: 
97 

A. Herd and cattle and/or bison population and the source of this 

information; 

B. The dates of the reporting period; 

C. The number of BMST rounds completed during the reporting period; 

D. The number of MCI tests (slaughter MCI and all other MCI are to 

be reported separately); 

E. The number of MCI reactors; 

F. The number of MCI reactors traced by category, such as those 

1. Traced to a herd of origin in which reactors were found on 

the herd blood test. 

2. Traced to a herd of origin that had negative results on the 

herd blood test. 

3. Traced to out-of-State origins. 

4. Traced to known infected herds. 

G. The number of cows and bulls 2 years of age and older that were 

slaughtered and the number of blood samples that were collected 

from these animals; 
98 

H. The number of herds infected with field strains of Brucella 

abortus during the reporting period; 

I. The number and results of blood tests of other species of 

domestic animals; 

(Items A–I are to be reported on revised VS Form 4–1, 

Application for Status. Almost all of the information required 

is available on VS or BRRS Forms 4–33D or 4–54D, the monthly 

reports on brucellosis eradication activities, on file in each 

State.) 

J. A narrative description of: 

1. Epidemiologic surveillance investigations and results; 

2. MCI investigations and results, including the number of MCI 

reactors that cannot be traced because of a lack of applied 

identification; 

3. MCI procedures and problems at each of the slaughter 

establishments that failed to collect blood samples from 95 

percent of the cows and bulls 2 years of age and older during 

the reporting period; and 

4. Verification that other standards in these UM&R have been 

met. 

Annual reports that disclose apparent deficiencies will be 

reviewed by VS and State officials to determine the correct 

status for the State. Annual reports may cover any 12 

consecutive months; however, no months may be unreported. If at 

any time a State meets the requirements for Class Free status, 

the State may request that it be advanced to that status. The 

State must submit an annual report for the previous 12 months as 

evidence that it qualifies. 

3. Standards To Attain and Maintain Class A Status

A. Surveillance 

1. Brucellosis milk surveillance test (BMST)—The BMST must be 

conducted at least four times per year at approximately equal 

intervals. A State may increase the frequency of BMSTs to 

achieve more effective surveillance. An epidemiologic 

investigation of all herds with suspicious BMST results must 

be conducted, and an approved action plan must be developed 

within 15 days of the laboratory test date. If a herd blood 
99 

test is necessary, it should be performed within 30 days of 

the laboratory test date. A State or area may not be reduced 

from Class A status to Class B status for failing to complete 

the herd blood test if the State has taken legal action to 

obtain the test and active legal proceedings are in progress. 

Patron lists must be reviewed to ensure that all dairy herds 

producing commercial milk have been included in at least 

three of the four BMST rounds per year. The quality of the 

samples used for the BMST will be monitored at the time the 

samples are collected. The BMST procedure will be adjusted 

for the size of the herd (see chapter 1, part II, section 

4C3). 

2. Market Cattle Identification (MCI) program 

a. Participation 

(1) All State-inspected or federally inspected slaughter 

establishments must participate in the MCI program. 

At least 95 percent of the cows and bulls 2 years of 

age and older must be sampled at each recognized 

slaughter establishment. In cases where sampling 

over the 12-month period falls below 95 percent for 

specific plants, the actions taken to correct this 

deficiency will be evaluated in determining the 

State's brucellosis status. All applied 

identification (except brands and tattoos) on cows 

and bulls 2 years of age and older at the time of 

slaughter is to be collected, and individual 

identification from each animal must accompany its 

blood sample to the laboratory. Failing to collect 

this identification makes it difficult to positively 

identify many market cattle or bison reactors. If 

the failure to trace reactors to the herd of origin 

is related to the failure to properly collect applied 

identification, the MCI program will be considered 

deficient in the State where the blood is collected. 

(2) First-point testing is required in States when they 

are making their initial efforts toward achieving 

Class Free status. All first points of concentration 

must have facilities to test all test-eligible cattle 

or bison received directly from a farm of origin. 

All test-eligible cattle or bison must be tested at 

their first point of concentration regardless of 

their final destination. 
100 

b. Reactors—At least 90 percent of the MCI reactors during 

each 12-month period must be traced to the herd of origin 

and an investigation must be conducted as outlined in 

chapter 1, part II, section 7D, within 15 days of the 

time that the MCI test is performed or within 15 days of 

the time that the test results are reported to the State 

animal health official or the APHIS AVIC. If States with 

20 or fewer MCI reactors do not trace at least 90 percent 

of reactors to the herd of origin, an explanatory 

statement and a request for exemption from this standard 

may be prepared and submitted with the 12-month annual 

report. When a herd blood test is indicated, it should 

be conducted within 30 days of the time the owner is 

officially notified of the MCI reactors. These herds are 

to be confined to the premises under quarantine. 

All MCI reactor herds should be blood-tested within 30 

days of the time the owner is officially notified of the 

reactor, unless an approved action plan is on file which 

provides for a herd test after a longer interval. (For 

exceptions, see chapter 1, part II, section 1H.) Class A 

status may be reduced to Class B status if the herds of 

origin of MCI reactors are considered suspicious after a 

complete epidemiologic investigation and are not tested 

within 6 months of the time the owner is officially 

notified of the MCI reactor. A State or area may not 

lose status if the State has taken legal action to obtain 

a test and active legal proceedings are in progress. 

c. Reporting results—To maintain or to advance status, all 

MCI reactors originating in the reporting State are to be 

reported in the 12-month report. The report must include 

the number of successful and unsuccessful tracebacks and 

the number of herds of origin that were tested. If the 

traceback percentage falls below 90 percent, a committee 

will be designated to review the circumstances and 

recommend action to the Deputy Administrator. The 

committee will be activated by the Director of NCAHP and 

will consist of one APHIS, VS regional epidemiologist and 

a brucellosis designated epidemiologist from another 

State. 

3. Epidemiologic surveillance 

a. Adjacent herds—All adjacent herds or other herds having 

contact with cattle or bison from an affected herd must 

have an approved action plan for testing or monitoring 

the herd(s). These plans must be in effect within 15 

days of the time infection is found. If there is 

disagreement about the necessity for testing a herd, the 

herd owner, the State animal health official or his or 

her representative, the designated brucellosis 

epidemiologist, and, if requested, the herd owner's 
101 

veterinarian will consult to resolve the situation. The 

initial herd test of those herds requiring a test should 

be conducted within 30 days of the time infection is 

found in the first herd. (For exceptions, see chapter 1, 

part II, section 1H.) A State or area may not be reduced 

from Class A to Class B status if the State has taken 

legal action to obtain a test and active legal 

proceedings are in progress. 

b. Epidemiologically traced herds—All herds of origin of 

cattle and/or bison that have been sold into an affected 

herd and all herds receiving cattle or bison from an 

affected herd must have an approved action plan for 

testing or monitoring the herd(s). The approved action 

plan must be in effect within 15 days of locating the 

herd of origin or the recipient herd. If there is 

disagreement regarding the necessity for testing a herd, 

the herd owner, the State animal health official or his 

or her representative, the designated brucellosis 

epidemiologist, and, if requested, the herd owner's 

veterinarian will consult to resolve the situation. The 

initial herd test of those herds requiring a test should 

be conducted within 30 days of the time that association 

with the affected herd is discovered. (For exceptions, 

see chapter 1, part II, section 1H.) States or areas may 

not be reduced from Class A to Class B status if the 

State has taken legal action to obtain a test and active 

legal proceedings are in progress. 

B. Herd Infection Rate 

1. States must not have an accumulated 12-month herd infection 

rate from field strains of Brucella abortus of more than 0.10 

percent (or 1.0 herd per 1,000) except in States with 10,000 

or fewer herds. Infection with field strains must be assumed 

in each case until veterinary officials in the State show 

otherwise by culture or by complete epidemiologic 

investigation. Each infected herd must be enrolled in a 

program that results in eliminating Brucella abortus

infection or in depopulating the herd. Herds proven to be 

infected with an approved Brucella vaccine are not included 

in determining the herd infection rate, but the infected 

animals should be S-branded and sold for feeding or for 

immediate slaughter. Representatives of the Director of 

NCAHP will conduct a special review to determine if a State 

with a herd infection rate of more than 0.10 percent but with 

less than 10,000 herds should qualify for Class A status. 

This evaluation will include, but not be limited to, the 

following factors: 

a. The number of reactor herds assumed (or proven) to be due 

to field strains of Brucella abortus; 
102 

b. The location of the infected herds and the distances 

between them, i.e., clusters of infected herds or 

scattered infected herds; 

c. Whether infections have a common source(s) or are 

separate outbreaks and whether secondary spread has 

occurred; 

d. Whether State policies and authorities are adequate and 

are applied to control and eliminate the outbreak(s); 

e. Whether the herd quarantine(s) and its enforcement are 

adequate; 

f. Number of additional herds at risk of becoming infected; 

g. Whether depopulation has been used to contain the 

outbreak(s); and 

h. The effectiveness of herd management practices in the 

infected herds to control the spread of disease within 

the herd and to other herds at risk. 

2. An epidemiologic investigation of each herd with reactor 

cattle and/or bison must be conducted within 15 days to 

identify the potential sources of infection. All such 

potential sources must be contacted within an additional 15 

days to determine appropriate action. (For exceptions, see 

chapter 1, part II, section 1H.) 

C. MCI Reactor Cases Closed Successfully 

The percentage of MCI reactor cases successfully closed may not 

be less than 95 percent. 

Market cattle and/or bison reactors that originate from known 

reactor herds, market cattle and/or bison reactors traced to 

out-of-State origins, and market cattle and/or bison reactors 

that originate from herds of origin that subsequently had a herd 

blood test and were found negative for brucellosis are 

considered successfully closed cases (SCCs). State and Federal 

personnel will conduct a complete epidemiologic investigation, 

with appropriate tests of adjacent and contact herds, on any 

herds of origin of MCI reactors in which all test-eligible 

cattle or bison and nonvaccinated heifers and bulls between 6 

and 18 months of age have been eliminated by slaughter. If 

there are extenuating circumstances that cause the SCC 

percentage to be below 95 percent, they must be documented in 

the 12-month report. Special consideration will be given when a 

State or area is affected by unusual or extreme marketing 

conditions. 

D. Complying With This Uniform Methods and Rules 
103 

1. States must continuously comply with the requirements of this 

UM&R. A State's compliance will be judged by administrative 

review and epidemiologic evaluation. 

2. If a Class A State fails to maintain the minimum procedural 

standards set forth in this UM&R, this State may be 

reclassified to Class B status. Before its status is 

lowered, the State may request a peer group review (chapter 

1, part II, section 1I) at the State's expense. The State 

and Federal officials in charge of program activities will be 

notified in writing of any apparent deficiencies that may 

affect the status of the State classification. In response, 

the State and Federal officials in charge of the program 

activities will determine and describe in writing the 

corrective actions that the State will take. The response 

must include a schedule for taking any needed corrective 

actions. An excessive herd infection rate due to field 

strains of Brucella abortus or failure to maintain an 

acceptable MCI reactor SCC percentage will be cause for the 

State to immediately lose Class A status and be reclassified 

to Class B status. A State may regain Class A status by 

qualifying as for initial Class A status. If appropriate, a 

State can regain Class A status when it has corrected all 

procedural deficiencies causing the loss of status and a 

minimum of 6 months has elapsed demonstrating the 

effectiveness of the corrective action(s). 

4. Movement of Cattle and Bison Within and From Class A States or 

Areas for Certain Purposes 

A. Cattle and Bison Exempt From Testing Requirements 

The following cattle and bison from nonquarantined herds are 

specifically exempt from test or certificate requirements to 

qualify for either interstate or intrastate movements. A 

certificate is required for the interstate movement of other 

cattle and bison and from Certified Brucellosis-Free Herds. 

1. Steers, spayed heifers, and bulls less than 18 months of age 

from herds not under quarantine; 

2. Cattle and bison under 18 months of age as evidenced by the 

presence of the first pair of temporary incisor teeth; 

3. Official Strain 19 calfhood vaccinates of the dairy breeds 

under 20 months of age, unless they are parturient or have 

calved; 

4. Official Strain 19 calfhood vaccinates of the beef and bison 

breeds under 24 months of age as evidenced by the absence of 

the first pair of fully erupted permanent incisor teeth, 

unless they are parturient or have calved; 
104 

5. Other cattle and bison moving directly to slaughter from a 

herd of origin; and 

6. Other cattle and bison moving directly from Certified 

Brucellosis-Free Herds. However, a certificate is required 

for interstate movement of cattle and/or bison from Certified 

Brucellosis-Free Herds that are moved for feeding or for 

breeding. 

B. For Feeding 

1. Movements to quarantined feedlots or quarantined pastures 

a. Movements of cattle or bison from Class A and B States to 

quarantined feedlots in a Class Free State are not 

allowed. A limited number of quarantined feedlots are 

allowed in Class-Free States or areas for intrastate 

movements only. Quarantined pastures are not allowed in 

Class Free States or areas. Therefore, no cattle or 

bison may move within or to Class Free States or areas 

for feeding in quarantined pastures. 

b. Exposed cattle and bison from quarantined herds, except 

steers and spayed heifers, must be hot-iron branded with 

“S” before being moved interstate to quarantined 

feedlots. An “S”-brand permit is required for this 

movement. 

c. Except as specified in section 4B above and the paragraph 

that follows this one, untested test-eligible cattle and 

bison from nonquarantined herds may move intrastate to 
105 

quarantined feedlots or quarantined pastures, and 

interstate to quarantined feedlots or to an approved 

 intermediate handling facility for movement to a 

quarantined feedlot, without test restrictions if the 

herd of origin can be identified by means of 

identification tags, backtags, or brands. A certificate 

is required for interstate movement. 

d. All test-eligible cattle and bison must be tested for 

brucellosis either upon entry into a quarantined feedlot 

or within 30 days prior to entry into a quarantined 

feedlot. 

2. Movement to other feedlots—The testing and documentation 

requirements are the same as for breeding cattle and bison. 

C. For Immediate Slaughter 

 1. Exposed animals from quarantined herds must be hot-iron 

branded with an “S” and moved under an “S”-brand permit to 

recognized slaughter establishments or to specifically 

approved stockyards or State-approved stockyards to be sold 

for immediate slaughter or to an approved intermediate 

handling facility for movement directly to a recognized 

slaughter establishment. Instead of “S”-branding, cattle and 

bison may move directly to slaughter from a specifically 

approved stockyard or a State-approved stockyard or from a 

herd of origin in sealed vehicles accompanied by an “S”-brand 

permit. Exceptions to the “S”-branding and “S”-brand permits 

are allowed for finished fed heifers moving directly to 

immediate slaughter at recognized slaughter establishments 

and for exposed cattle and/or bison in cases where moving 

them to slaughter does not require rail or motor carrier 

transportation. 

2. Cattle and bison from Certified Brucellosis-Free Herds may 

move to recognized slaughter establishments or to 

specifically approved stockyards or State-approved stockyards 

to be sold for immediate slaughter without being tested if 

the identity of the herd of origin is maintained. 

3. Cattle and bison from other non-quarantined herds may move to 

recognized slaughter establishments or to specifically 

approved stockyards or State-approved stockyards to be sold 

for immediate slaughter without being tested if the identity 

of the non-quarantined herd is maintained. 
106 

D. For Breeding 

1. Test-eligible cattle and bison from Certified BrucellosisFree Herds may move without testing if the identity of the 

herd of origin is maintained. A certificate is required for 

interstate movement. A voluntary test is recommended 45–120 

days after interstate movement. 

2. Test-eligible cattle and bison from other non-quarantined 

herds may move intrastate without being tested. A voluntary 

test is recommended 45–120 days after movement. 

3. Test-eligible cattle and bison originating in other nonquarantined herds may move interstate from a farm of origin 

directly to a farm of destination if they have a negative 

test within 30 days before interstate movement and are 

accompanied by a certificate. Cattle and bison may be moved 

interstate from a farm of origin without a certificate 

directly to a specifically approved stockyard for the 

required negative test. A certificate is required for those 

test-negative cattle and bison that subsequently move 

interstate from a specifically approved stockyard. A postmovement test at 45–120 days is strongly recommended. 

4. The testing requirements of section 4, paragraphs D1 and D3, 

for interstate movements are not required if all of the 

following conditions apply: 

a. The cattle or bison being moved are from a herd that is 

not known to be affected, and 

b. The cattle or bison being moved have not changed 

ownership and are not changing ownership, and 

c. The cattle or bison are from herds that have had a 

complete negative herd blood test within 12 months, and 

d. Any cattle or bison that were added to the herd after the 

herd test were also tested negative, and 

e. The cattle or bison being moved have not come in contact 

with cattle or bison not meeting these requirements. 

The requirement for a complete herd blood test, including 

additions, within the previous 12 months, may be waived if 

officials in each State concur in writing. 
107 

The intent of this exception is to allow grazing 

associations, farmers, and ranchers to follow normal ranching 

operations when crossing jurisdictional boundaries during 

these movements, without subjecting their cattle or bison to 

unnecessary handling and testing. 

5. Female dairy cattle and/or bison that are 4 months of age and 

older must be official vaccinates if they are moved into a 

Class B State or area unless they are moved directly to a 

recognized slaughter establishment or to a quarantined 

feedlot. 

Female cattle and/or bison that are eligible for official 

calfhood vaccination and that are required to be officially 

vaccinated may be moved interstate directly to a specifically 

approved stockyard and be officially vaccinated upon arrival. 

It is recommended that all female breeding stock moving to 

high-risk areas be calfhood vaccinated. 

E. Calves From Affected Herds 

 All calves in an affected herd are included under the herd 

quarantine restrictions. If the heifer calves are retained in 

the herd, they should be calfhood-vaccinated. Calves may be 

moved only if they comply with the following requirements: 

1. The calves must be “S”-branded or neutered, or 

2. Sexually intact heifer calves must be quarantined and held 

separate and apart from the affected adult herd after weaning 

until they are negative on an official test no sooner than 30 

days following completion of their first calving; or 

3. Sexually intact heifer calves may remain in the affected 

adult herd, but the entire herd shall not be released from 

quarantine until all such heifer calves have matured and 

calved, after which the entire herd must be tested negative 

for brucellosis no sooner than 30 days after the last heifer 

has calved to qualify for quarantine release. 

F. Rodeo Bulls 

Rodeo bulls participating in recognized and organized 

performance groups may be moved without meeting other testing 

requirements, provided that: 
108 

1. The bulls originate from a herd not known to be affected with 

brucellosis. 

2. The bulls have been subjected to an official negative test 

for brucellosis within the previous 12 months (test conducted 

less than 365 days before the date of movement), and 

3. Each bull is individually identified with official 

identification, and 

4. There is no change of ownership since the date of the last 

official test, and 

5. Proper health certificates accompany each movement, and 

 

6. State officials were notified in advance of all movements 

 and permits for entry were obtained if required. 

Part IV. Class B Status

This part covers the requirements for establishing and maintaining 

Class B status in a State or an area. It also covers the 

requirements for moving cattle and bison from within Class B States 

and areas. 

1. Size of Area

Class B status usually applies to an entire State. However, a 

State may request a two-area classification. 

A State must meet all of the following specific criteria to receive 

approval of a two-area classification: 

 A. Legislative Authority: Legislative authority must exist for 

maintaining separate areas within the State. 

 B. Regulatory Authority: Regulatory authority must exist for 

maintaining separate areas within the State. 

C. Resources: Resources must exist and must be committed to 

maintaining separate areas within the State. 

D. Method: A credible method must exist for monitoring and 

controlling the movement of animals across the area boundary, 

and its effectiveness must be demonstrated. APHIS will review 

the procedures with the requesting State. 
109 

2. Duration of Status

A State or area will retain its Class B status indefinitely, 

provided that it continues to meet the requirements for Class B 

status. 

Every 12 months, the States must prepare an annual report 

summarizing their brucellosis program activities for the previous 

12 months. The annual report must include the following 

information: 

A. Number of herds and the cattle and/or bison population and the 

source of this information; 

B. The dates of the reporting period; 

C. The number of BMST rounds completed during the reporting period; 

D. The number of MCI tests (slaughter MCI and all other MCI tests 

are to be reported separately); 

E. The number of MCI reactors; 

F. The number of MCI reactors traced by category, such as those 

1. Traced to a herd of origin in which reactors were found on 

the herd blood test. 

2. Traced to a herd of origin that had negative results on the 

herd blood test. 

3. Traced to out-of-State origins. 

4. Traced to known infected herds. 

G. The number of cows and bulls 2 years of age and older that were 

slaughtered and the number of blood samples that were collected 

from these animals; 

H. The number of herds infected with field strains of Brucella

during the reporting period; 

I. The number and results of blood tests of other species of 

domestic animals; 

(Items A–I are to be reported on revised VS Form 4–1, Application 

for Status. Almost all of the information required is available on 
110 

VS or BRRS Forms 4–33D and 4–54D, the monthly reports on 

brucellosis eradication activities, on file in each State.) 

J. A narrative description of: 

1. Epidemiologic surveillance investigations and results; 

2. MCI investigations and results, including the number of MCI 

reactors that cannot be traced because of a lack of applied 

identification; 

3. MCI procedures and problems at each of the slaughter 

establishments that failed to collect blood samples from 95 

percent of the cows and bulls 2 years of age and older 

during the reporting period; and 

4. Verification that other standards of this UM&R have been 

met. 

Annual reports that disclose apparent deficiencies will be reviewed 

by VS and State officials to determine the correct status for the 

State. Annual reports may cover any 12 consecutive months; 

however, no months may be unreported. If, at any time, a State 

meets the requirements for Class A or higher status, the State may 

request that it be advanced to that status. The State must submit 

an annual report for the previous 12 months as evidence that it 

qualifies. 

3. Standards To Attain and Maintain Class B Status

A. Surveillance 

1. Brucellosis milk surveillance test (BMST)—The BMST must be 

conducted at least four times per year at approximately 

equal intervals. A State may increase the frequency of 

BMSTs to achieve more effective surveillance. An 

epidemiologic investigation of all herds with suspicious 

BMST results must be conducted and an approved action plan 

must be developed within 30 days of the laboratory test 

date. If a herd blood test is necessary, it should be 

performed within 30 days after the approved action plan is 

prepared. A State or area may not be reduced from Class B 

status for failure to complete the herd blood test if the 

State has taken legal action to obtain the test and active 

legal proceedings are in progress. 

Patron lists must be reviewed to ensure that all dairy herds 

producing commercial milk have been included in at least 

three of the four BMST rounds per year. The quality of the 

samples used for the BMST will be monitored at the time the 

samples are collected. The BMST procedure will be adjusted 

for the size of the herd. (See chapter 1, part II, section 

4C3.) 
111 

2. Market Cattle Identification (MCI) program 

a. Participation 

(1) All recognized slaughter establishments must 

 participate in the MCI program. At least 95 

percent of the cows and bulls 2 years of age and 

older must be sampled at each recognized slaughter 

establishment. In cases where sampling over the 

12-month period falls below 95 percent for specific 

plants, the actions taken to correct this 

deficiency will be evaluated in determining the 

State’s brucellosis status. All applied 

identification (except brands and tattoos) on cows 

and bulls 2 years of age and older at the time of 

slaughter is to be collected, and individual 

identification from each animal must accompany its 

blood sample to the laboratory. Failing to collect 

this identification makes it difficult to 

positively identify many market cattle or bison 

reactors. If the failure to trace reactors to the 

herd of origin is related to the failure to collect 

applied identification properly, the MCI program 

will be considered deficient in the State where the 

blood is collected. 

(2) All other first points of concentration must have 

facilities to test all test-eligible cattle or 

bison received directly from a farm of origin. All 

test-eligible cattle or bison must be tested at 

their first point of concentration regardless of 

their final destination. 

b. Reactors—At least 80 percent of MCI reactors during each 

12-month period must be traced to the herd of origin, and 

an investigation must be conducted as outlined in chapter 

1, part II, section 7D, within 30 days of the time that 

the MCI test is performed or within 30 days of the time 

that the test results are reported to the State animal 

health official or APHIS AVIC. If States with 20 or 

fewer MCI reactors cannot trace at least 80 percent of 

reactors to their herds of origin, an explanatory 

statement and a request for exemption from this standard 
112 

may be prepared and submitted with the 12-month annual 

report. 

When a herd blood test is indicated, the MCI reactor herd 

shall be blood-tested within 45 days from the time the 

owner is officially notified of the reactor unless an 

approved action plan is on file that provides for a herd 

test after a longer interval. However, if the herd blood 

test is not conducted within the first 30 days from the 

time the owner is officially notified of the MCI reactor, 

the herd must be confined to the premises under 

quarantine. (For exceptions, see chapter 1, part II, 

section 1H.) 

Class B States will be placed under Federal quarantine if 

the herds of origin of MCI cattle and/or bison reactors 

are considered suspicious after a complete epidemiologic 

investigation and are not tested within 6 months of the 

time the owner is officially notified of the MCI reactor. 

A State or area may not lose status if the State has 

taken legal action to obtain test and active legal 

proceedings are in progress. 

c. Reporting results—To maintain or to advance status, all 

MCI reactors originating in the reporting State are to be 

reported in the 12-month report. The report must include 

the number of successful and unsuccessful tracebacks and 

the number of herds of origin that were tested. If the 

traceback percentage falls below 90 percent, a committee 

will be designated to review the circumstances and 

recommend action to the Deputy Administrator. The 

committee will be activated by the Director, National 

Center for Animal Health Programs, and will consist of 

one USDA, APHIS, VS regional epidemiologist and a 

brucellosis designated epidemiologist from another State. 

3. Epidemiologic surveillance 

a. Adjacent herds—All adjacent herds or other herds having 

contact with cattle or bison from the affected herd must 

have an approved action plan for testing or monitoring 

the herd(s). These plans must be in effect within 45 days 

of the time infection is found. If there is disagreement 

about the necessity for testing a herd, the herd owner, 

the State animal health official or his or her 

representative, the designated brucellosis 

epidemiologist, and, if requested, the herd owner's 

veterinarian will consult to resolve the situation. The 

initial herd blood test of those herds requiring a test 

should be conducted within 45 days of the time infection 

is found in the first herd. (For exceptions, see chapter 

1, part II, section 1H.) A State or area may not be 

reduced from Class B status if the State has taken legal 
113 

action to obtain a test and active legal proceedings are 

in progress. 

b. Epidemiologically traced herds—All herds of origin of 

cattle and/or bison that have been sold into an affected 

herd and all herds receiving cattle or bison from an 

affected herd must have an approved action plan for 

testing or monitoring the herd(s). The approved action 

plan must be in effect within 45 days of locating the 

herd of origin or the recipient herd. If there is 

disagreement regarding the necessity for testing a herd, 

the herd owner, the State animal health official or his 

or her representative, the designated brucellosis 

epidemiologist, and, if requested, the herd owner's 

veterinarian will consult to resolve the situation. The 

initial herd blood test of those herds requiring a test 

should be conducted within 60 days of the time that 

association with the infected herd is discovered. (For 

exceptions, see chapter 1, part II, section 1H.) States 

or areas may not be reduced from Class B status if the 

State has taken legal action to obtain a test and active 

legal proceedings are in progress. 

B. Herd Infection Rate 

1. States must not have an accumulated 12-month herd infection 

rate from field strains of Brucella abortus of more than 1.0 

percent (or 10 herds per 1,000), except in States with 10,000 

or fewer herds. Infection with field strains must be assumed 

in each case until veterinary officials in the State show 

otherwise by culture or by complete epidemiologic 

investigation. Representatives of the Director, National 

Center for Animal Health Programs, VS, will conduct a special 

review to determine if a State with a herd infection rate of 

more than 1.0 percent but with fewer than 10,000 herds should 

qualify for Class B status. This evaluation will include, 

but not be limited to, the following factors: 

a. The number of reactor herds assumed (or proven) to be due 

to field strains of Brucella abortus;

b. The location of the infected herds and the distances 

between them, i.e., clusters of infected herds or 

scattered infected herds; 
114 

c. Whether infections have a common source(s) or are 

separate outbreaks and whether secondary spread has 

occurred; 

d. Whether State policies and authorities are adequate and 

are applied to control and eliminate the outbreak(s); 

e. Whether the herd quarantine(s) and its enforcement are 

adequate; 

f. The number of additional herds at risk of becoming 

infected; 

g. Whether depopulation has been used to contain the 

outbreak(s); and 

h. The effectiveness of herd management practices in the 

infected herds to control the spread of disease within 

the herd and to other herds at risk. 

2. An epidemiologic investigation of each herd with reactor 

cattle and/or bison must be conducted within 45 days to 

identify the potential sources of infection. All such 

potential sources must be contacted within an additional 30 

days to determine appropriate action. (For exceptions, see 

chapter 1, part II, section 1H.) 

C. MCI Reactor Cases Closed Successfully 

The percentage of successfully closed cases (SCCs) may not be 

less than 90 percent. 

Market cattle and/or bison reactors that originate from known 

reactor herds, market cattle and/or bison reactors traced to 

out-of-State origins, and market cattle and/or bison reactors 

that originate from herds of origin that subsequently had a herd 

blood test and were found negative for brucellosis are 

considered successfully closed cases. 

State or Federal representatives will conduct a complete 

epidemiologic investigation, with appropriate tests of adjacent 

and contact herds, on any herds of origin of MCI reactors in 

which all test-eligible cattle or bison and non-vaccinated 

heifers and bulls between 6 and 18 months of age have been 

eliminated by slaughter. Special consideration will be allowed 

when the status of a State or area is affected by unusual or 

extreme marketing conditions. 
115 

D. Complying With This Uniform Methods and Rules 

1. States must continuously comply with the requirements of this 

UM&R. A State's compliance will be judged by administrative 

review and epidemiologic evaluation. 

2. A State must make continued progress in reducing the 

prevalence of brucellosis as determined by epidemiologic 

evaluation covering a 2-year period of program operation. 

3. If a Class B State fails to maintain the minimum procedural 

standards set forth in this UM&R, the State will be placed 

under Federal quarantine. Before its status is lowered, the 

State may request a peer group review (chapter 1, part II, 

section 1I) at the State's expense. The State and Federal 

officials in charge of program activities will be notified in 

writing of any apparent deficiencies that may affect the 

status of the State classification. In response, the State 

and Federal officials in charge of the program activities 

will determine and describe in writing the corrective actions 

that the State will take. The response must include a 

schedule for making any needed corrective actions. An 

excessive herd infection rate due to field strains of 

Brucella abortus or failure to maintain an acceptable MCI 

reactor SCC percentage will be cause for the State to 

immediately lose Class B status and be reclassified. A State 

may regain Class B status by qualifying as for initial Class 

B status. If appropriate, a State can regain Class B status 

when it has corrected all procedural deficiencies causing the 

loss of status and a minimum of 6 months has elapsed 

demonstrating the effectiveness of the corrective action(s). 

4. Movement of Cattle and Bison Within and From Class B States or 

Areas for Certain Purposes

A. Cattle and Bison Exempt From Testing Requirements 

The following cattle and bison from non-quarantined herds are 

specifically exempt from test or certificate requirements to 

qualify for either interstate or intrastate movements. A 

certificate is required for the interstate movement of other 

cattle or bison and from Certified Brucellosis-Free Herds: 

1. Steers, spayed heifers, and bulls less than 18 months of age 

from herds not under quarantine; 

2. Cattle and bison under 18 months of age as evidenced by the 

presence of the first pair of temporary incisor teeth; 
116 

3. Official Strain 19 calfhood vaccinates of the dairy breeds 

under 20 months of age, unless they are parturient or have 

calved; 

4. Official Strain 19 calfhood vaccinates of the beef and bison 

breeds under 24 months of age as evidenced by the absence of 

the first pair of fully erupted permanent incisor teeth, 

unless they are parturient or have calved; 

5. Other cattle and bison moving directly to slaughter from the 

herd of origin; and 

6. Other cattle and bison moving directly from Certified 

Brucellosis-Free Herds. However, a certificate is required 

for interstate movement of cattle and/or bison from Certified 

Brucellosis-Free Herds that are moved for feeding or for 

breeding. 

B. For Feeding 

1. Movements to quarantined feedlots or quarantined pastures 

a. Movement of cattle or bison from Class B States to 

quarantined feedlots in a Class Free State is not 

allowed. 

b. Exposed cattle and bison from quarantined herds, except 

steers and spayed heifers, must be hot-iron branded with 

an “S” before being moved interstate to quarantined 

feedlots. An “S”-brand permit is required for this 

movement. 

c. Test-eligible cattle and bison from non-quarantined herds 

(excluding Certified Brucellosis-Free Herds) must be 

tested within 30 days before movement, or be hot-iron 

branded with an “S” and be accompanied by an “S”-brand 

permit. These cattle or bison may be moved from a herd 

of origin directly to a quarantined feedlot or to an 

approved intermediate handling facility for movement 

directly to a quarantined feedlot without being 

accompanied by an “S”-brand permit if they are “S”-

branded upon arrival at the quarantined feedlot. They 

may be moved directly from a herd of origin to a 

specifically approved stockyard to be sold to a 

quarantined feedlot without being “S”-branded and without 

being accompanied by an “S”-brand permit. Test-eligible 

cattle or bison moving interstate on an official negative 

test must have a certificate. 
117 

d. All test-eligible cattle and bison must be officially 

tested for brucellosis either upon entry into a 

quarantined feedlot or within 30 days prior to entry into 

a quarantined feedlot. 

2. Movement to other feedlots 

 

 The testing and documentation requirements are the same as 

for breeding cattle and bison. 

C. For Immediate Slaughter 

1. Exposed animals from quarantined herds must be hot-iron 

branded with an “S” and be moved with “S”-brand permit to 

recognized slaughter establishments or to specifically 

approved stockyards or State-approved stockyards to be sold 

for immediate slaughter or to an approved intermediate 

handling facility for movement directly to a recognized 

slaughter establishment. Instead of “S”-branding, cattle or 

bison may move directly to slaughter from either a 

specifically approved stockyard or a State-approved stockyard 

or from a herd of origin in sealed vehicles accompanied by an 

“S”-brand permit. Exceptions to the “S”-branding and “S”-

brand permit requirements are allowed for finished fed 

heifers moving directly to immediate slaughter at recognized 

slaughter establishments and for exposed cattle and/or bison 

in cases where moving them to slaughter does not require rail 

or motor carrier transportation. 

2. Cattle and bison from Certified Brucellosis-Free Herds may 

move to recognized slaughter establishments or to 

specifically approved stockyards or State-approved stockyards 

to be sold for immediate slaughter or to an approved 

intermediate handling facility for movement directly to a 

recognized slaughter establishment without being tested if 

the identity of the herd of origin is maintained. 

3. Test-eligible cattle and bison originating in other nonquarantined herds may move directly to recognized slaughter 

establishments or to specifically approved stockyards or 

State-approved livestock markets to be sold for immediate 

slaughter without “S” hot-iron brand or “S”-brand permit. To 

move from either the specifically approved stockyards or 

State-approved stockyard to slaughter or to an approved 

intermediate handling facility for movement directly to a 

recognized slaughter facility, the cattle or bison must be 

“S”-branded and must be accompanied by “S”-brand permits. 

Instead of “S”-branding, cattle or bison may move directly to 

slaughter from either a specifically approved stockyard or 

State-approved stockyard in sealed vehicles accompanied by an 

“S”-brand permit, or they may be tested negative within 30 

days before movement. 
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4. Test-eligible cattle and bison originating from dealers' 

concentration points for slaughter must be hot-iron branded 

with an “S” and must move with “S”-brand permit to a 

recognized slaughter establishment or through a specifically 

approved stockyard or State-approved livestock market to be 

sold for slaughter. Instead of “S”-branding, cattle and 

bison may move directly to slaughter from those livestock 

markets in sealed vehicles accompanied by an “S”-brand permit 

or they may be tested negative within 30 days before 

movement. An exception to the “S”-branding and “S”-brand 

permit is allowed for test-eligible untested cattle and bison 

in cases where moving them to slaughter does not involve 

transportation by rail or motor carrier. 

D. For Breeding 

1. Test-eligible cattle and bison from Certified BrucellosisFree Herds may move without testing if the identity of the 

herd of origin is maintained. A certificate is required for 

interstate movement. It is recommended that the cattle and 

bison be tested at the destination 45–120 days after 

movement. Animals cannot move into Class Free states. 

2. Test-eligible cattle and bison from other nonquarantined 

herds may move intrastate if they have a negative test within 

30 days before movement. The negative test may be performed 

at specifically approved stockyards or State-approved 

livestock markets that have approved laboratory facilities 

for testing. A retest at the destination 45–120 days after 

movement is strongly recommended. No certificate is 

required. 

3. Test-eligible cattle and bison from other non-quarantined 

herds may move interstate if they have had two negative 

whole-herd tests within 10–14 months apart. In addition, 

every animal must have a negative test within 30 days before 

interstate movement and be accompanied by a certificate that 

includes the test dates and test results. A permit for entry 

is required from the receiving State before movement if the 

animals are moved from the non-quarantined herd directly to a 

herd of destination. Cattle and bison may be moved 

interstate from a herd of origin without a certificate and 

permit for entry if they go directly to a specifically 

approved stockyard for the required negative test. A 

certificate is required for those test-negative cattle and 

bison that subsequently move interstate from a specifically 

approved stockyard. A permit for entry is required from the 

receiving State before movement from the stockyard. Animals 

cannot move into Class Free States. 

4. The testing requirements of section 4, paragraphs D2 and D3, 

for intrastate and interstate movements are not required if 

all of the following conditions are met. 
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a. The cattle or bison being moved are from a herd that is 

not known to be affected by brucellosis, and 

b. The cattle or bison being moved have not changed 

ownership and are not changing ownership, and 

c. The cattle or bison are from the farm of origin and are 

negative to a herd blood test within 12 months of 

movement, and 

d. Any cattle or bison that were added to the herd after the 

herd test were also tested negative within 30 days prior 

 to the date the cattle or bison were added to the herd, 

and 

e. The cattle or bison being moved have not come in contact 

with cattle or bison not meeting these requirements, and 

f. The cattle or bison are accompanied by a document that 

shows the dates and results of the herd blood tests and 

the name of the laboratory that conducted the tests. 

The requirement for a complete herd blood test, including 

additions, within the previous 12 months, may be waived 

if officials in the origin and destination States concur 

in writing. 

The intent of this exception is to allow grazing associations, 

farmers, and ranchers to follow normal ranching operations when 

crossing jurisdictional boundaries during these movements, 

without subjecting their cattle or bison to unnecessary handling 

and testing. 

5. Female dairy cattle and/or bison that are 4 months of age or 

older must be official vaccinates if they are moved into or 

out of a Class B State or area unless they are moved directly 

to a recognized slaughter establishment or to a quarantined 

feedlot. 
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Female cattle and/or bison that are eligible for official 

calfhood vaccination and required to be officially vaccinated 

may be moved interstate directly to a specifically approved 

stockyard and officially vaccinated upon arrival at the 

specifically approved stockyard. 

It is recommended that all female breeding stock moving to 

high-risk areas be calfhood vaccinated. 

E. Calves from Affected Herds 

All calves in an affected herd are included under the herd 

quarantine restrictions. If the heifer calves are retained in 

the herd, they should be calfhood-vaccinated. Calves may be 

moved only if they comply with the requirements of subparagraphs 

1–3 below. As of October 1, 1988, the movement of calves from 

affected herds in Class B States was terminated. 

As of October 1, 1990, no cattle or bison may be moved from 

Class B States that are not meeting the standards for progress 

except steers, spayed heifers, bulls less than 18 months of age 

out of any herd not known to be affected by brucellosis, “S”-

branded cattle or bison, or cattle or bison from Certified 

Brucellosis-Free Herds. 

 1. The calves must be “S”-branded or neutered, or 

2. Sexually intact heifer calves must be quarantined and held 

separate and apart from the brucellosis-affected adult herd 

after weaning until they are negative on an official test no 

sooner than 30 days following the completion of their first 

calving, or 

3. Sexually intact heifer calves may remain in the affected 

adult herd, but the entire herd shall not be released from 

quarantine until all such heifer calves have matured and 

calved, after which the entire herd must be tested negative 

for brucellosis no sooner than 30 days after the last heifer 

has calved to qualify for quarantine release. 

F. Testing at First Point of Concentration 

All test-eligible cattle and bison must be tested at their first 

point of concentration regardless of their final destination. 

G. Rodeo Bulls 

Rodeo bulls participating in recognized and organized 

performance groups may be moved without meeting other testing 

requirements provided that: 
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1. The bulls originate from a herd not known to be affected with 

brucellosis. 

2. The bulls have been subjected to an official negative test 

for brucellosis within the previous 12 months (test conducted 

less than 365 days before the date of movement), and 

3. Each bull is individually identified with official 

identification, and 

4. There is no change of ownership since the date of the last 

official test, and 

5. Proper health certificates accompany each movement, and 

6. State officials were notified in advance of all movements, 

 and permits for entry were obtained if required. 

Part V. States or Areas not having at least Class B status (No 

Status) 

1. Cattle and bison from states or areas not having at least 

Class B status(no status) can not move into a Class Free 

State; and 

2. Cattle and bison from a state or area not having at least 

Class B status can be moved only directly to slaughter, or 

to a quarantined feedlot in a Class A or Class B state after 

being permanently marked, for later shipment to slaughter; 

or 

3. Cattle and bison from a state or area not having at least 

Class B status can be moved directly to an APHIS approved 

research facility after the shipper receives written 

permission from the VS Deputy Administrator and the State 

animal health official.