New Requirements for Brucellosis (Bangs) Vaccination in Adult Cattle

 

October 12, 2018

What’s New? All sexually intact female cattle and domestic bison 12 months of age or older are required to be vaccinated against brucellosis (Bangs vaccine). This is an expansion of previous vaccination requirements that applied only to female cattle and domestic bison in the Designated Surveillance Area (DSA).

Who Does It Apply To? Cattle and domestic bison producers in the following counties: Carbon, Stillwater, Sweet Grass, Big Horn, Park, Beaverhead, Gallatin, Jefferson and Madison. The new ruling also includes cattle that enter any of these counties for seasonal grazing.

Who Does It Not Apply To? Spayed female cattle or adult cows previously Bangs vaccinated as heifers between 4-12 months of age.

When Does the New Rule Occur? The new vaccination requirements go into effect immediately.

What’s Involved? Similar to current Bangs vaccination protocols in heifers, adult cows and domestic bison will receive a RB51 Bangs vaccine, adult tattoo in the right ear and a USDA silver ear tag in the right ear. Only a licensed and accredited veterinarian can administer the vaccine. Adult tattoo reads: RAV(year of vaccination)  Heifer tattoo reads: R(VET Shield)(year of vaccination)

When Is the Best Time to Bangs Vaccinate? Bangs vaccinating heifers 4-12 months of age is the ideal time to vaccinate. For adult cattle, Red Lodge Veterinary Clinic recommends that vaccination occur in non-pregnant or post-calving cows and bison. Bangs vaccination in pregnant animals may result in pregnancy loss and abortion.

Do Adult Female Cattle and Bison Not Leaving the Property Apply to This Rule? Yes, the rule applies to all sexually intact female cattle and domestic bison 12 months of age or older in Carbon, Stillwater, Sweet Grass, Park, Gallatin, Jefferson and Madison counties regardless of production type and practices.

Will the New Ruling Be Enforced? Yes, but to what extent is unclear at this time. Brand inspections, interstate veterinary health certificates and sales barns are all likely areas that will ask for proof of Bangs vaccination.

What Is the Cost? Red Lodge Veterinary Clinic will charge the same cost as current Bangs vaccination fees in heifers.

Why Is There New Requirements? The Montana Department of Livestock (MDOL) continues to monitor the prevalence of brucellosis in the Greater Yellowstone Region. This new ruling was implemented in an effort to prevent and reduce disease and protect the livestock industry in Montana.  

Please contact us at any time if you have any additional questions, comments or concerns. Thank you for choosing Red Lodge Veterinary Clinic. 406-446-2815