GLICKMAN RECOGNIZES BRUCELLOSIS-FREE STATUS

                                            Release No. 0271.97
                                                               
                                   Jim Petterson (202) 720-4623
                                            jpetterson@usda.gov
                                    Dawn Kent    (301) 734-7255
                                           dkent@aphis.usda.gov



GLICKMAN RECOGNIZES BRUCELLOSIS-FREE STATUS

     DES MOINES, Iowa, Aug. 13 1997--Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman
today presented a certificate to Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Dale Cochran
recognizing the State of Iowa as free of brucellosis.  This action relieves
certain restrictions on the interstate movement of Iowa's 45,000 herds of
cattle.

     "Brucellosis-free status will enhance the national and international
marketability of Iowa cattle and help put dollars in the pockets of the
producers of Iowa's $2.2 billion beef inventory," said Glickman. 

     "Iowa's success is the latest in our 63-year battle to eradicate
brucellosis," added Michael V. Dunn, assistant secretary for marketing and
regulatory programs.  "Our compliments and congratulations to the producers
of Iowa and to Secretary Cochran."

     Brucellosis-free classification is based on a state carrying out all
requirements of the brucellosis program and finding no cases of brucellosis
in cattle and bison in 12 months.  With Iowa's advancement, all but 12
states are brucellosis free.  As of July, only 22 cattle herds remained
under quarantine for the disease, located in four of the 12 class A states. 
The target date for eradication of brucellosis from the United States is the
end of 1998.

     "The presence of brucellosis has cost the federal government, states,
and the livestock industry billions of dollars in production losses,
eradication costs, and lost or unrealized export markets," Glickman said. 
"As long as the disease is present in the United States, it poses a threat
to the U.S. beef inventory, worth roughly $53 billion."

     Brucellosis is a highly contagious disease of cattle causing abortions
and lowered milk production.  In humans, the disease causes severe flu-like
symptoms that can last for months or years if left untreated.   For further
information contact: National Animal Health Programs Staff, VS, APHIS, 4700
River Road Unit 43, Riverdale, Md. 20737-1231, (301) 734-6954.

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