SECTION 35:15-40-47. Retest schedules for high-risk herds

(a)   In herds with a history of lesions suspicious of bovine tuberculosis but not confirmed, two (2) complete annual herd tests shall be given after release from quarantine. The first test shall be conducted not less than ten (10) months nor more than fourteen (14) months after release from quarantine.

(b)   In a newly established herd on premises where a tuberculosis herd has been depopulated, two (2) annual herd tests shall be conducted to all cattle and bison. The first test shall be conducted not less than four (4) months nor more than eight (8) months after establishment of the new herd. If the premises are vacated for one (1) year, these requirements may be waived by the designated epidemiologist or State Veterinarian.

(c)   Exposed animals previously sold from a known infected herd shall be depopulated, if possible. If the exposed animal is not depopulated, the single cervical test shall be the only test used. All responding animals shall be classified as reactors. If negative to the test, the exposed animals shall be handled as if a part of the infected herd of origin for purposes of testing, quarantine release and the five (5) annual high-risk tests. The remainder of the herd shall be retested in one (1) year with the caudal fold test. The balance of the receiving herd shall be retested as follows:

(1)   If lesions of tuberculosis based on histopathologic examination are found in an exposed animal, the remainder of the herd shall be tested with the single cervical test.

(2)   In all other cases, the remainder of the herd shall be tested by the caudal fold test. The responding animals may be classified as suspects and retested with the comparative cervical test.

(d)   The testing of source herds of regular kill animals having lesions of tuberculosis shall be done by full-time state or federal regulatory veterinarians. If the herd of origin is positively identified, all animals responding to the caudal fold test shall be classified as reactors. If the herd of origin is not positively identified, the comparative cervical test shall be used to classify animals that respond to the caudal fold test.

(e)   Testing of source herds of reactors shall be by full-time state or federal regulatory veterinarians using the caudal fold test procedure. Responding animals may be classified as reactors or, if classified as suspects, may be retested by the comparative cervical test.

(f)   In herds where mycobacterium bovis infection in confirmed, but the herd is not depopulated, five (5) annual tests on the entire herd shall be required following the release from quarantine.

(g)   In the event new technology and advancements provide alternative testing procedures approved by USDA, the State Veterinarian may alter testing schedules listed above to conform and utilize the new approved methods and tests.

[Source: Added at 12 Ok Reg 481, eff 12-12-94 (emergency); Added at 12 Ok Reg 2997, eff 7-27-95; Amended at 26 Ok Reg 1809, eff 7-1-09; Amended at 27 Ok Reg 2433, eff 7-25-10]