Brucellosis rule

After last week's emergency meeting, the Wyoming Livestock Board announced that it will request Governor Dave Freudenthal implement the amended Chapter 2 Brucellosis Rules as emergency rules with an effective date of Feb. 10.

The emergency rule will be in effect for a period of 120 days. The Wyoming Livestock Board will also proceed to adopt permanent rules immediately, according to a release from the state agency.

In addition, because a verbal request was made to the board for a public hearing by Scott Zimmerman, Rocky Mountain Farmers Union, the board will hold a public hearing on the rules immediately following the posted public comment period for the permanent rule.

The amended emergency rule will read:

Section 8. Testing of Replacement Bovinae

a) The following bovinae must be tested for brucellosis:

(i) All Wyoming origin test eligible female bovinae sold for breeding purposes are required to be tested negative for brucellosis within 60 days prior to a change of ownership.

(ii) All Wyoming origin test eligible female bovinae that leave feeding or slaughter channels to be used for breeding purposes are required to be tested negative for brucellosis prior to entering a breeding herd.

The Wyoming Livestock Board's intent is to review this rule at least annually to determine the continued need for the rule, according to the release.