News Releases and other News Material/Number 01194/0014
Release No. 0014.94
Kendra Pratt (301) 436-4898
Ron Hall (202) 720-3310
USDA DECLARES KANSAS FREE OF SWINE BRUCELLOSIS
WASHINGTON, Jan. 5--The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service today added Kansas to the list of states considered free of swine brucellosis.
This upgrade in Kansas' classification will relieve certain restrictions on the interstate movement of breeding swine from the State. Breeding swine from Kansas may now be moved interstate without being officially tested for brucellosis -- a change that should reduce costs for some swine producers.
To be classified by APHIS as validated-brucellosis-free, a state can have no diagnosed cases of swine brucellosis for a 12-month period and must also meet certain herd and market testing and surveillance requirements.
Swine brucellosis is close to being eradicated from swine herds in the United States, with fewer than 40 infected herds remaining in five states. The goal of the eradication program, coordinated by APHIS in cooperation with the swine industry and the state departments of agriculture, is to declare the entire country free of swine brucellosis by 1996.
Swine brucellosis is caused by the bacteria Brucella suis, which multiply rapidly and spread to the joints, udder and reproductive organs of infected swine. The disease causes infected pigs to have reduced reproductive abilities, spontaneous abortions and lameness in the rear legs. Although swine brucellosis primarily affects pigs, the disease can be transmitted to humans, horses, cattle, reindeer and dogs. People most at risk for contracting brucellosis are slaughterhouse workers, farmers, and veterinarians who may come into contact with contaminated swine and their infected urine or genital discharges.
The interim rule was effective upon its publication in the Dec. 28 Federal Register. To submit comments, send an original and three copies of written comments referring to Docket No. 93-144-1 on or before Feb. 28: to Chief, Regulatory Analysis and Development, Policy and Program Development, APHIS, USDA, Room 804 Federal Building, 6505 Belcrest Road, Hyattsville MD 20782. Comments once received may be inspected at USDA, Room 1141 South Building, 14th and Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C., between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except holidays. Persons wishing to inspect comments are encouraged to call ahead on (202) 690-2817 to facilitate entry into the comment reading room.
♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦