Florida Administrative Code
5 - DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER SERVICES
5C - Division of Animal Industry
Chapter 5C-6 - BRUCELLOSIS
Section 5C-6.0015 - Reactors and Suspects

(1) Reactors to an official brucellosis test shall be tagged in the left ear with a reactor tag and hot-iron branded on the left jaw with the letter "B" at least two inches in height and at least two inches in width within 15 days of the date of the test in which infection was determined. Reactors so tagged and branded must be disposed of as required by subsection 5C-6.0017(1), F.A.C., within 15 days of the date of tagging and branding. An extension of time may be granted under extenuating circumstances.

(2) Reclassification. Within three days of receipt of results of an initial herd blood test, an owner may request an additional test on reactors at his expense provided such request is based on sound epidemiologic evidence and provided all animals remain under quarantine. Such test must be conducted within 10 days of receipt of results of the initial herd test. Animals initially classified as reactors may be eligible for reclassification provided a complete epidemiologic investigation of the herd is conducted and there is no evidence of brucella infection or exposure thereto; and provided final classification is determined by a designated epidemiologist. The herd must remain under quarantine pending final classification.

(3) When suspects are disclosed, an individual herd plan shall be developed for the future testing of the suspect animals and the handling of the herd. Suspects may be moved only to quarantined feedlots, quarantined pastures, or immediate slaughter. Movement may be direct or through a specifically approved livestock market, and the suspect animals must be identified and permitted in the same manner as exposed animals.