Wash. state vet looks into possible testing violations

By MATTHEW WEAVER
Capital Press

Washington state is investigating a herd of cattle in Stevens County that may have violated state-entry requirements when they arrived from Canada.

"We are in the middle of investigating why they haven't met Washington's animal health or entry requirements," Washington State Veterinarian Leonard Eldridge said. "My investigators and brand inspectors have been in the area where the cattle are running."

Eldridge said a time frame has been set for the ranchers under investigation to present the herd to the state for testing.

Eldridge declined to comment further until the investigation is complete. He also declined to name the cattle owner or identify the number of cattle being investigated.

"Be assured we are on top of the investigation," he said. "I do have the individual animal identification on every one of those animals as it came across the border, so I know what I'm dealing with."

Some neighbors are concerned the animals may have commingled with their cattle, Eldridge said.

"If indeed that has happened and these cattle have not met Washington's animal health requirement, that is a violation," he said.

"If there are diseased cattle, it will affect all surrounding cattle," said Len McIrvin, partner at Diamond M Ranch, which is adjacent to the herd under investigation.

Wade King, president of the Cattle Producers of Washington, said his organization has closely watched the investigation. Several members are affected, he said.

"These cattle were destined for a dry feedlot down in the Basin and were diverted from the port of entry directly to this ranch property in Northport," King said.

King said it is his understanding that the herd, reportedly 405 head of Canadian yearlings, have commingled with neighboring herds.

"It has been shown Canada has a problem with bovine tuberculosis," he said. "These cattle were not tested and have commingled now with our native cattle. These cattle could spread bovine tuberculosis to our cattle."

There are also concerns that the herd could be carrying brucellosis, King said.

Testing of the herd could take two to three weeks, he said, which leaves neighboring ranches in a holding pattern.

If one of the Canadian cattle tests positively for bovine tuberculosis, King said, all the cattle they have commingled with would also be subject to testing. The percentage of cattle moved out of Washington into the Midwest would be required to have a retest before they are eligible to be shipped, he said.

"The implications to our state and our cattle industry are significant," he said. "The cost of that test and the related expenses of holding these cattle in a confined area is several dollars per head."

The cattle lose weight through all the extra handling, King said.

Eldridge said cows that enter the state from Canada fall under regulations set by the USDA and additional entry requirements set by Washington, depending on their final destination and purpose.

Cattle used for breeding are individually identified and branded, then tested for brucellosis and tuberculosis before entering the state, he said. When they cannot be vaccinated in Canada, they are quarantined in a holding facility until they have been branded and vaccinated.

Feeder cattle are exempt from testing and vaccination, but must have an entry permit, a Canada brand and individual animal identification and must remain in dry feedlot channels, not commingling with breeding herds.

Eldridge said he would like the investigation to be complete before any breeding cattle start gathering for the fall.

King said the organization would like to see the processing expedited.

"The more time that goes by, the more at risk we are," he said.

Matthew Weaver is based in Spokane. E-mail: mweaver@capitalpress.com.