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Brucellosis

Brucellosis is a contagious, infectious, and communicable disease affecting primarily cattle, bison, and swine that is caused by bacteria of the genus Brucella. Brucella abortus affects mainly bovine species; B. suis affects mainly porcine species. Goats, sheep, and horses are also susceptible to B. abortus. A third strain, B. melitensis, affects mainly goats and sheep and is considered to be a foreign animal disease (FAD). Though B. ovis, which affects sheep, does exist in the United States, it does not cause significant disease problems. Currently, there is no program and no initiative to establish a program for the control of B. ovis. 

In its principal animal hosts, brucellosis causes loss of young through spontaneous abortion or birth of weak offspring, reduced milk production, and infertility. It can affect both animals and humans. Brucellosis is transmitted from animals by direct contact with infected blood, placenta, fetuses, or uterine secretions or through the consumption of infected and raw animal products (especially milk and milk products). There is no economically feasible treatment for brucellosis in livestock. 

Oregon is classified by the USDA as free of Brucellosis.

Official Calfhood Vaccination Procedure

Official calfhood vaccination may only be performed by an accredited veterinarian on female cattle and bison when more than 4 months of age and less than 12 months of age.

The veterinarian must follow the official calfhood vaccination protocol in the Brucellosis Eradication: Uniform Methods and Rules dated October 1, 2003. To be an official calfhood vaccinate, the vaccinated bovine or bison calf must be:

  • Given a subcutaneous 2-mL dose of Brucella abortus Strain RB51 vaccine
  • Permanently identified as a calfhood vaccinate by tattoo in the right ear using the following:
    • The letter “R"
    • The US Registered Shield and “V"
    • The last digit of the year in which the vaccination was done
  • Officially identified by official eartag or other official identification device
    • If the animal is already identified with an approved means of official identification, an additional official eartag should not be used.
  • Reported at the time of vaccination by submitting a completed VS Form 4-26 or comparable form to the appropriate State animal health agency

Oregon Mature Vaccination Procedure

Oregon regulations allow healthy females of breeding age, which were not vaccinated as calves, to be vaccinated for brucellosis after twelve months of age. The USDA does not recognize Mature Vaccination as “official vaccination", and many states will not accept mature vaccinated cattle. Before sending mature vaccinated cattle interstate, check with the state of destination to determine their policy on mature vaccinates.

Note: Adult vaccination is an official USDA term and refers to vaccination of a brucellosis infected or exposed herd. It is important to use the term “Mature Vaccination" when dealing with normal vaccination of cattle over twelve months of age.

Brucellosis vaccination of female cattle over the age of 12 months may be performed under the following stipulations

  • Cattle must be owned or intended to be purchased by an Oregon producer for inclusion into their production herd for reproduction purposes. Feeder cattle will not be considered.
  • If the cattle are coming from another state, the Oregon owner must call the State Veterinarian for permission to vaccinate them. Vaccination of these cattle may be allowed on a case-by-case basis.
  • A blood sample must be drawn at the time of vaccination and sent to an official laboratory for brucellosis testing. Mature vaccinated cattle must be held under quarantine until blood testing results are returned
  • Given a subcutaneous 1-mL dose of Brucella abortus Strain RB51 vaccine
  • Permanently identified as an Oregon mature vaccinate by tattoo in the right ear using the following:
    • The letter “M"
    • The US Registered Shield and “V"
    • The last digit of the year in which the vaccination was done
  • Officially identified by official eartag or other official identification device
    • If the animal is already identified with an approved means of official identification, an additional official eartag should not be used.
    • Orange “Official Vaccinate" tags may not be used in mature vaccinates
  • Reported at the time of vaccination separately from any officially vaccinated animals by submitting a completed VS Form 1-24 or VS Form 1-26 or comparable form to the appropriate State animal health agency, clearly indicating “Mature Vaccinates" on the form.