Compilation of Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia › Department 40 - RULES OF GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE › Chapter 40-13 - ANIMAL HEALTH DIVISION › Subject 40-13-4 - INFECTIOUS AND CONTAGIOUS DISEASES › Rule 40-13-4-.06 - Cervidae Brucellosis Eradication Requirements

Current through Rules and Regulations filed through June 27, 2024
(1) The Georgia Department of Agriculture
				adopts the Brucellosis in Cervidae: Uniform Methods and Rules in effect by the
				United States Department of Agriculture. Said Uniform Methods and Rules are on
				file in the State Veterinarian's office and are available on request. The State
				Veterinarian reserves the option of applying rules that may exceed the minimum
				set forth in the Uniform Methods and Rules.
(2) Movement of cervids into Georgia shall be
				in accordance with the recommendation of the USDA Brucellosis in Cervidae:
				Uniform Methods and Rules and the rules established by the Georgia Department
				of Agriculture.
(3) Official Tests:
				Only tests which have been conducted in the State/Federal Brucellosis
				Laboratory or a laboratory approved by the State Veterinarian will be
				considered official tests. All blood samples and completed test records must be
				submitted to the appropriate laboratory within five (5) business days following
				collection. No person shall remove, deface, alter or otherwise change any
				official permanent mark, brand, tattoo, tag or other official identification on
				any cervid.
(4) Individual Herd
				Designations: Individual herds may be designated as Certified Brucellosis-Free
				or Brucellosis Monitored by complying with the requirements of the Brucellosis
				in Cervidae: Uniform Methods and Rules.
(5) Depopulation: Complete herd depopulation
				is the preferred method to control and eradicate brucellosis in an affected
				herd. The owner of a brucellosis affected herd should consider depopulation
				whenever possible.
(6) Affected
				Herds: All herds affected with brucellosis will be quarantined. Any person who
				owns or has custody or control of any cervids affected with brucellosis or
				known reactor animals to an official brucellosis test must isolate such animals
				from all other livestock in Georgia. All herds and premises related by common
				ownership or management will be quarantined when reactors are disclosed in a
				herd. The affected herd quarantine will be released no sooner than sixty days
				following depopulation or upon completion of four (4) consecutive and complete
				negative herd tests. The first three (3) tests will occur at thirty (30),
				ninety (90), and one hundred and eighty (180) days after the last reactor was
				removed from the premise. The fourth test will occur no sooner than three
				hundred and sixty-five (365) days after the last reactor left the premise. A
				complete herd test may be required six (6) to twelve (12) months following
				release of the quarantine if determined necessary by the State Veterinarian and
				the USDA. Quarantined cervids from affected herds must be consigned on a Form
				VS 1-27 and transported directly from the farm of origin to a state or
				federally approved slaughter establishment or quarantined feedlot. Quarantined
				cervids shall not be consigned to a livestock market. Herds quarantined because
				of an association with an affected herd by common ownership or management in
				which no reactors have been disclosed may qualify for a conditional quarantine
				release after one negative complete herd test with the approval of the State
				Veterinarian and the USDA.
(7)
				At-Risk Herds: Livestock disclosed in an epidemiological investigation to be
				at-risk of brucellosis infection will be quarantined. The State Veterinarian
				and the USDA will develop a herd plan to eliminate the risk of brucellosis in
				these livestock.
(8)
				Post-Quarantine Releasing Test: All livestock released from quarantine and all
				livestock on a premise previously quarantined for brucellosis will be retested
				as determined necessary by the State Veterinarian and the USDA.
(9) Owner's Responsibility: It shall be the
				responsibility of the herd owner to provide the necessary facilities and labor
				to pen all eligible animals for testing. If a herd owner fails to implement or
				comply with an approved herd plan, the State Veterinarian may require the herd
				to be depopulated.
(10) Cleaning
				and Disinfecting: Affected premises shall be cleaned and disinfected in
				accordance with instruction of the State Veterinarian and the USDA.
Authority O.C.G.A.
				  Secs. 4-4-1,
				  4-4-64,
				  4-4-67,
				  4-4-70,
				  4-4-95.1,
				  4-4-173,
				  4-4-177.