The Oregon Cattleman’s Association cites two factors for its support of Senate Bill 57 in the Oregon Legislature.Â
First, it accepts the analysis of the state veterinarian that we are in a low threat level for infection, yet he goes on to predict that within 10 to 20 years brucellosis will once again be reintroduced in Oregon due to infected elk migrating out of the Yellowstone area. He also states that vaccinations only mask the disease and do not prevent it. This comment makes absolutely no sense to me.
Aren’t we in a low threat level and have we virtually eliminated the disease because we have a very aggressive brucellosis control program in place?
Second, the association cites the financial burden brucellosis vaccination costs place on producers, and that nonvaccinated cows are worth less than vaccinated cows. This sounds like a management issue to me. If a cow has an illegible tattoo, maybe you need to change your earmark or not put the tag through the tattoo, for example.
Those that are worried about the financial burden of around $3 per head to vaccinate their calves better think of the financial burden of testing, quarantine and slaughter of infected cows should an outbreak occur in their herd.
Not to mention the financial impact to the industry if a brucellosis outbreak results in a public health issue. Remember what BSE did to our market?
As a cattleman, fire chief and licensed EMR with our local fire department, I will never support any legislation that carries any potential of creating an animal or public health issue.
If you feel the same, please contact your Oregon state legislators and ask them to oppose this poorly thought out and poorly vetted legislation.
Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd,
racist or sexually-oriented language. PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another
person will not be tolerated. Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone
or anything. Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism
that is degrading to another person. Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on
each comment to let us know of abusive posts. Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness
accounts, the history behind an article.
(0) comments
Welcome to the discussion.
Log In
Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism that is degrading to another person.
Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness accounts, the history behind an article.