Arnold C. Taft
USDA, APHIS, VETERINARY SERVICES

Total eradication of swine brucellosis has remained an elusive goal in the four remaining Stage 2 States-Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, and Texas. All identified affected herds have had exposure to feral/wild swine or have been epidemiologicaly linked to feral/wild swine. The disease has not been diagnosed in truly domestic swine herds in the past several years.

There have been 4 newly disclosed swine brucellosis-affected herds in FY 2001. Two herds in Arkansas and 1 herd in each State of Oklahoma and Texas. No affected herds remain at this time. The 4 herds were depopulated and indemnity paid. Sixty-four swine were involved and $11,801.75 in indemnity was paid.

In order for the domestic swine industry in the four Stages 2 States to be able to advance their status, a separate program should be developed for the feral/wild swine industry. Each State should develop a separate program for feral/wild swine that provides;1.) A Program Standards or Uniform, Methods, and Rules, 2.) Separate markets or collection points, and 3.) Separate slaughter facilities for feral/wild swine. A national ‘action plan" with a budget has been drafted. The "action plan" includes multiple Agencies (State and Federal), budget plans, population management, disease management, and further research.