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Washington Administrative Code (Last Updated: November 23, 2016) |
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Title 16. Agriculture, Department of (See Titles 24, 60, and 142) |
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Chapter 16-86. Cattle and bison diseases in Washington state. |
Section 16-86-115. Trichomoniasis in Washington cattle.
Latest version.
- (1) Any sexually intact bovine, except for bison, that is found test-positive for trichomoniasis, and any herd in which one or more bulls or cows are found test-positive for trichomoniasis, is considered infected. Test-positive means a positive result on a quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) test for trichomoniasis.(2) In the case of infected sexually intact bovine, the herd shall be quarantined pending an epidemiological investigation to determine the source of the infection.(3) All exposed herds will be identified by an accredited veterinarian in conjunction with the department. An exposed herd is defined as a cattle herd which has had, within the past twelve months, direct commingling or cross-fence contact with an infected herd during a time of potential breeding activity. The owner of exposed herds will be notified of the possible exposure and requested to test the herd using a qPCR test. All testing will be at the owner's expense.(4)(a) Infected bulls will be quarantined and branded high on the tail head by the department with a USDA regulatory S-brand, and will not be used for breeding.(b) Infected bulls must be slaughtered, sold for slaughter, or sent to a category 2 restricted holding facility to remain in slaughter channels. Infected bulls shall only be moved when accompanied by a USDA form VS 1-27.(c) A nonpregnant female, with no calf at side, which is identified by the owner as being from an infected herd and is offered for sale at a livestock market, must remain in slaughter channels.(5) The quarantine will be removed when all remaining bulls in the herd test negative to a second qPCR test for trichomoniasis and following proof of removal of infected bulls. Bulls must have a minimum of two negative qPCR tests at least one week apart for quarantine release. All bulls from infected herds, except virgin bulls, will be tested using a qPCR test the following trich-year before breeding. A trich-year means the period from September 1st to August 31st of any given year. Bulls from infected herds may not have to be tested the following trich-year if a herd plan has been approved by the state veterinarian.(6) Information that cattle have tested positive for trichomoniasis may be supplied to county extension agents, accredited veterinarians, and industry representatives. Each month, the department may publish a press release of counties that have infected herds.