Washington - USDA said it is proposing to change its brucellosis rules to allow a state to keep its class-free status if an infected herd is found within its borders.
The department said the state would have to determine the source of the infection, eliminate the affected herd and make sure the disease has not spread to other herds in the state.
Under the proposal, if no other infections are found, the state would keep its class-free status. A state could apply this provision only once in any two- year period.
The department said the change would provide an incentive to states to act quickly to eradicate brucellosis.
Animals infected with brucellosis appear to be normal, but the highly contagious disease causes abortions, infertility and lowered milk production in cattle, goats, hogs and other animals. Brucellosis can be passed on to humans.
The USDA has set a goal to erase brucellosis from the United States by the end of the year.
Full details of the USDA's proposal will appear in the Federal Register, the department said. Comments should be received by November 2.
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