SECTION 35:15-17-4. Traceback of reactors

(a)   A successful traceback of reactors occurs when the premises of the herd of origin of a market test reactor, including those animals identified as reactors on laboratory confirmation of market test, is located and the herd is tested as deemed necessary. If all animals at the premises of origin were sold for slaughter, a traceback is considered successful. Tracing to dealers, feedlots, commission firms, and other interim holders of animals shall not be considered a successful traceback of reactors.

(b)   Every traceback of reactors requires a comprehensive epidemiologic investigation and follow-up, including traces to "sold-out" herds, to effectively locate and control the disease. This investigation shall include:

(1)   Reactors in marketing channels with positive supplemental test titers:

(A)   Contact and adjacent herds shall be identified, recorded, and investigated.

(B)   The herd of origin shall be blood tested unless the comprehensive epidemiology investigation indicates conclusively that the titers are not caused by field strains of B. abortus.

(C)   All sales following the estimated date of onset of infection shall be traced and the herds of destination identified, recorded, and investigated for evidence of infection by testing.

(D)   If a herd identified in this subparagraph is negative, the herd shall be retested thirty to ninety (30-90) days later if deemed necessary by the epidemiologist.

(2)   Reactors in marketing channels with negative supplemental test results:

(A)   The owner shall be advised of negative test results by writing, telephone, or personal visit.

(B)   The herd shall be tested if reasonable doubt exists as to the reason for the serologic response, if evidence of brucella infection is present, or if the status of contact or other neighborhood herds is questionable.

[Source: Amended at 14 Ok Reg 2425, eff 6-26-97; Amended at 27 Ok Reg 2420, eff 7-25-10]