SECTION 35:15-17-40. Classification of cattle and bison

(a)   Animals are classified as Negative, Suspect, or Reactor based in part on their serologic test results using the criteria listed in the Uniform Methods and Rules of Brucellosis Eradication and the Code of Federal Regulations for evaluation of titer response. Titer responses for all cattle shall be evaluated by a trained, experienced epidemiologistwho has been designated to perform or supervise this function. The designated epidemiologist shall take into consideration the animal and herd history and other epidemiologic factors. The designated epidemiologist may deviate from the reactor criteria but shall document the reasons for doing so.

(b)   Cattle and bison are classified as brucellosis negative when their blood serums are subjected to official serologic tests and the test results do not disclose evidence of Brucella infection, and if blood, milk or tissues are subjected to bacteriologic methods for culturing field strain brucella and none are recovered. An animal shall only be classified as negative if all procedures that are performed fail to disclose evidence of brucellosis.

(c)   Cattle and bison are classified as suspects when their blood serums are subjected to official serologic tests and the test results are suggestive of infection but are inconclusive and a bacteriologic method to culture brucella from blood, milk, or tissues do not yield field strain brucella.

(d)   Cattle and bison are classified as reactors when their blood serums subjected to official serologic tests and the test results indicate that the animal was exposed to and is infected with Brucella. Cattle and bison are also classified as reactors in the absence of significant serologic test results when bacteriologic methods result in the recovery of field strain Brucella organisms, a significant rise in the serologic titer occurs, or when other epidemiologic evidence of infection is demonstrated.

(e)   The evaluation and classification of titer responses for all animals shall be the responsibility of a trained, experienced epidemiologist who has been designated to perform this function, taking into consideration the animal and herd history and other epidemiologic considerations. The selection of the epidemiologist shall be made jointly by USDA Veterinary Services, Regional Epidemiologist, and state and federal animal health officials. Deviations from the reactor criteria are acceptable when made by the designated epidemiologist.

(f)   Infection of animals by Brucella may also be indicated or confirmed by other diagnostic procedures such as the bacteriologic cultivation and isolation of Brucella from tissues, secretions, or excretions and positive agglutination in tests such as the semen plasma test.

(g)   Animals initially classified as reactors may be eligible for reclassification provided an appropriate epidemiological investigation of the herd is conducted, including a serological test of the herd if necessary and there is no evidence of brucella infection or exposure thereto; and final classification is determined by the designated epidemiologist. The herd shall emain under quarantine pending final classification.

[Source: Amended at 27 Ok Reg 2420, eff 7-25-10]