Veterinary officials declare Texas free of swine brucellosis

Austin

— Swine brucellosis has been completely eradicated in Texas, veterinary officials report.

In mid-May, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) notified the Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) of the declaration. Texas is the last state to be declared free of swine brucellosis, USDA adds.

Caused by

Brucella suis

, brucellosis in swine affects the reproductive tract, causing decreased littler sizes and economic loss for producers. It can be transmitted to humans as “undulant fever,” TAHC notes.

Texas has been monitoring swine herds since the mid-1990s, after finding several infected herds. Complete herd testing for affected herds and swine testing at market was required by USDA during that period, TAHC says.

“Texas being declared swine brucellosis free is good news for the Texas swine industry,” says state veterinarian Dr. Dee Ellis. “This action relieves certain restrictions on the interstate movement of breeding swine from Texas. We will continue our surveillance efforts, however, to help maintain Texas’ swine brucellosis-free status.”