07/16/08

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) _ A western Wyoming rancher opted to have
750 cows spayed rather than tested for brucellosis as part of an
investigation into an outbreak of the livestock disease.

Assistant state veterinarian Jim Logan says the spayed herd had
contact with a herd near Daniel that tested positive last month for
brucellosis.

The rancher had the choice of testing for brucellosis,
slaughtering the herd or spaying the herd. By having the animals
spayed, he eliminated the possibility that the cows can transmit
brucellosis.

Two other herds that had contact with the infected herd tested
negative last week for brucellosis. Wyoming will lose its
brucellosis-free status if a second infected herd is discovered
before Oct. 31.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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