Statement
Regarding
Restricted Movement of Cattle from Montana and Wyoming Due to Brucellosis
Brucellosis is an infectious and contagious bacterial disease that affects mostly cattle and American buffalo. Infected female cows can show symptoms including abortion during the last third of pregnancy, retained afterbirth, and weak calves at birth. There is no economical cure for the infected animal.
The disease most likely originated with wild elk and bison that roam Yellowstone National Park, which lies in the western part of both states. All sexually intact animals must test negative before movement into Colorado will be allowed.
For more information regarding brucellosis or the restrictions placed on Montana and Wyoming, contact the State Veterinarian's Office at (303) 239-4161 or visit the Colorado Department of Agriculture on the web at www.ag.state.co.us.