Brucellosis Surveillance Requirements in DSA

The following surveillance requirements apply to livestock pruducers in the geopraphical area known as the Designated Surveillance Area (DSA):

Testing of age-eligible animals (12 months or older sexually intact male and female cattle)
1. Annual whole herd brucellosis testing of all sexually intact cattle or domestic bison.
2. Brucellosis test within 30 days prior to movement out of the DSA.
3. Brucellosis test within 30 days prior to change of ownership.
4. Exceptions/variances:
  1. Steers and spayed heifers do not need to be tested.
  2. Animals moving to an approved Montana Livestock Market may be tested on arrival.
  3. Animals moving directly to slaughter.
  4. Testing completed after July 15th is accepted until February 15th of the following year (seven months).
  5. Other variances or excpetions to requirements will be considered on an individual basis by the Montana State Veterinarian or his designee based on an official herd plan.
Individual animal identification
1. Official identification of sexually intact cattle or domestic bison 12 months of age and older prior to sale/change of ownership or permanent movement outside DSA.
2. Identification options
  1. OCV eartags (orange metal, or orange RFID)
  2. USDA, or USDA approved eartags (metal clips of RFID) or other identification approved by the state veterinarian.

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