Bangs-Free Cattle Get
30-Day Sale Extension

CHEYENNE, Wyo.— Wyoming Gov. Jim Geringer has signed an emergency set of rules allowing livestock producers an extra 30 days to sell cattle that test free of brucellosis.

The measure signed last week would allow producers in Lincoln, Hot Springs, Fremont, Sublette and Teton counties a total of 60 days to sell after a clean test.

"This will give producers more latitude and flexibility," Geringer said. "Individuals selling cattle have a little more time to watch the market and take advantage of the best prices."

Brucellosis testing requirements went into effect earlier this year in the six-county area around Yellowstone National Park amid concerns that elk and buffalo roaming from the park could transmit brucellosis to area cattle.

An analysis of the disease by the United States Department of Agriculture prompted the regulations. The analysis itself was an effort to head off threatened boycotts of Wyoming cattle by other states.

The agency decided to give cattle producers there 30 days to sell once their animals tested free of the disease. Interim State Veterinarian Dr. Jim Logan convinced the USDA to agree to the extension for market reasons.

The USDA and the Wyoming Livestock Board plan to review Wyoming's brucellosis program at a meeting in November.