(a)

1. (1) Every cattle herd in which Brucella abortus field strain infection has been confirmed, as determined by the designated epidemiologist or epidemiologists and every herd that would be qualified for depopulation with indemnification, as determined by the federal VIC and the State Veterinarian and the designated epidemiologist or epidemiologists, fall under the jurisdiction of this part.

2. (2) Factors to be considered in the qualification of a herd for federally-funded depopulation are:

   1. (A) The number of reactors disclosed on the first test;
   2. (B) The persistence of reactors of subsequent tests;
   3. (C) The danger of exposure to surrounding herds; and
   4. (D) Other matters as considered by the regulatory officials, such as public health risk.

(b) All herd owner/manager or managers have three (3) options in the management of their infected herds:

1. (1)

   1. (A) Complete herd depopulation.
   2. (B) This option is contingent on the availability of state-federal funds for indemnification, and the qualification of the herd or herds to receive that indemnity;
2. (2) Adult (whole herd) vaccination of bovine females in their infected herd or herds with follow-up testing and quarantine releasing requirements as provided in this part and the Uniform Methods and Rules; and

3. (3)

   1. (A) S-brand and sell for slaughter or to an approved quarantined feedlot on a VS Form 1-27 all sexually intact animals within thirty (30) days of the formulation of the herd plan.
   2. (B) Bull and heifer calves may be neutered (castrated or spayed) in lieu of S-branding and selling them.
   3. (C) Verification of neutering must be made before the quarantine will be released.
   4. (D) A herd or herds may still qualify for federal depopulation funds (if available) even if previously subject to whole herd vaccination, as long as other provisions of this part are met.