Issue 3 - the Montana Secretary of State Website

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COMMENT #16: For ARM 32.3.505(2) is self slaughter appropriate for disposal
What if the ranch sells all bulls
RESPONSE #16: Self slaughter has been allowed as long as a third party
documents the death. Usually a district brand inspector performs this task on farm
or at a custom slaughter house, although, a veterinarian may also confirm the death.
The owner at any time may sell all of his bulls to slaughter from a positive herd,
including any that are negative. He is not required to continue to retest them, but
they may only move as described in ARM 32.3.505(3)(a).
COMMENT #17: The Epidemiological Investigation appears to consist of only
phone calls to producers; it is not a true epidemiological investigation.
RESPONSE #17: The department's epidemiological investigation consists of
veterinarian and owner notification, mandatory neighbor notification by phone or a
district brand inspector visit, notifications to local and county veterinarians,
maintaining data on bull movements and possible exposure sources, and education.
In response to this comment the department has requested an epidemiologist to
review the standard operating procedure for investigating a positive Trich animal.
COMMENT #18: Why does a contract veterinarian call practitioners to report when
a Trich bull is diagnosed in a county In my opinion, this is running up the bill for the
state. This money would be more wisely spent on Trich education or reservation
testing.
RESPONSE #18: Prior to hiring the private veterinarian, many veterinarians had
called to complain that they did not know that Trich was in their area and have
requested this information be made available to them as soon after initial contact is
made with the primary veterinarian and the owner.
COMMENT #19: On page 1860 what is the breakdown of the 118 positive bulls
between ranch surveillance and sale of nonvirgin bulls Is the Trich rule diagnosing
these animals or is ranch management
RESPONSE #19: The majority of these bulls have been found due to an increase in
testing requirements on grazing associations as well as reproductive management of
the herd by the veterinarian.
COMMENT #20: We are against the testing requirement for common grazing
associations.
RESPONSE #20: Bulls running in common pastures from multiple sources are at
the highest risk for transmitting Trichomoniasis. The department encourages
grazing associations to reduce risk by good management practices including: using
all virgin bulls, using only cows with calves at their sides or virgin heifers, and testing
all returning bulls prior to breeding season. This additional ruling allows the
Montana Administrative Register 3-2/11/10