Brucellosis Laws in North Dakota: What Livestock Owners Need to Know
August 28, 2026
Brucellosis is one of the most closely watched livestock diseases in the United States, and North Dakota takes its regulatory obligations seriously. Whether you raise cattle, bison, or other susceptible species, understanding the state’s brucellosis framework is essential to staying compliant, protecting your herd, and maintaining your ability to buy and sell animals across state lines.
This guide walks you through every major component of North Dakota’s brucellosis laws — from the state’s current disease-free classification to vaccination protocols, testing requirements, movement rules, and the consequences of noncompliance. If you work with livestock in the Peace Garden State, this is what you need to know.
What Is Brucellosis and Why It Is Regulated in North Dakota
Brucellosis is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Brucella. It is primarily a reproductive disease in animals, but it can also cause recurring fevers, arthritis, and udder infection (mastitis). The disease is not limited to a single species — brucellosis can affect sheep, goats, cattle, pigs, horses, and dogs, as well as wild animals including deer, bison, elk, moose, camels, water buffalo, and marine mammals.
For cattle producers specifically, the stakes are high. Bovine brucellosis, caused by the bacterium Brucella abortus, is an economically important cause of abortions in cattle. In addition, B. abortus is a human pathogen. In humans, brucellosis can be a serious, debilitating, and sometimes chronic disease that may affect a variety of organs. Most cases result from occupational exposure to infected animals, but infections can also occur from ingesting contaminated dairy products.
North Dakota regulates brucellosis because of both its economic impact on livestock operations and its public health implications. State Veterinarian Dr. Ethan Andress has noted that brucellosis remains a focus of his office due to North Dakota’s proximity to Yellowstone National Park, where elk and bison herds continue to be infected with brucellosis, and elk moving out of the park pose a risk to cattle herds in the area.
The North Dakota Department of Agriculture’s Animal Health Division protects the health of domestic animals and non-traditional livestock and administers all rules and orders of the State Board of Animal Health. Bovine brucellosis and tuberculosis are governed under NDCC 36-15, which specifically addresses bovine tuberculosis and brucellosis. You can also explore pet import laws in North Dakota for related animal movement regulations that may affect your operation.
North Dakota’s Brucellosis Classification Status
The United States cattle herd is now free of brucellosis. However, brucellosis is still present in wildlife in the Greater Yellowstone Area. North Dakota has achieved brucellosis-free status for its domestic cattle and bison herds, and the state has taken formal steps to recognize that status in other states as well.
With the support of North Dakota’s cattle and bison industry associations, the State Board of Animal Health officially recognized those states that have earned the status as free of bovine brucellosis and bovine tuberculosis under USDA-APHIS guidelines. This recognition allows producers to buy and import beef cattle and bison from these states with reduced vaccination and testing requirements for these two diseases.
Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring stated that “the free status recognition will allow North Dakota beef cattle and bison producers to have reciprocity with other free status states,” adding that “U.S. producers and veterinarians have spent millions of dollars and several decades testing, monitoring, and tracing to achieve this goal.”
The geographic reality of the Yellowstone corridor continues to shape North Dakota’s regulatory posture. The three states around the park — Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana — have aggressive surveillance programs with the intent of catching any infection that may spread to cattle near the park. The area is called the Designated Surveillance Area (DSA), and cattle leaving that area require brucellosis testing. You can compare how neighboring states handle similar challenges by reviewing brucellosis laws in Minnesota and brucellosis laws in Nebraska.
Vaccination Requirements for Cattle and Bison in North Dakota
North Dakota’s vaccination rules for brucellosis differ depending on the species, the age of the animal, and whether the animal is being imported or is part of a domestic herd. Understanding these distinctions is critical before you vaccinate or move any animals.
Cattle Vaccination
Calfhood vaccination is a core component of North Dakota’s brucellosis control framework. Female beef cattle calves are eligible for official calfhood vaccination (OCV) during a specified age window. The North Dakota State Board of Animal Health does not accept adult vaccination of cattle against brucellosis as a substitute for official calfhood vaccination.
The ND State Board of Animal Health does not accept adult vaccination of cattle against brucellosis. This means that if an animal was not vaccinated as a calf during the approved window, adult vaccination will not satisfy state requirements. Producers who need a waiver for calfhood vaccination requirements can submit a Request for Waiver of Calfhood Vaccination Against Brucellosis (SFN 60303) through the North Dakota Department of Agriculture.
Bison Vaccination
Female bison animals may be vaccinated from four through eighteen months (120 through 547 days) of age with a vaccine approved by the state veterinarian. Vaccinated animals must be marked in accordance with a method approved by the state veterinarian.
The accredited veterinarian must submit reports of vaccination, on the appropriate form provided by USDA-APHIS-VS, to the board within thirty days. Failing to submit these reports on time is a compliance issue that can affect your herd’s standing with the State Board of Animal Health.
For a comparison of how bison and cattle vaccination rules are structured in neighboring states, see brucellosis laws in Missouri and brucellosis laws in Michigan.
Testing Requirements for Cattle and Bison in North Dakota
Testing requirements in North Dakota are tied to the origin of the animal, the animal’s class (test-eligible vs. feeder), and the disease status of the source state or region. Here is how the rules break down.
Import Testing for Cattle
Test-eligible cattle, as determined by the board, must have a negative brucellosis test within thirty days prior to entry into North Dakota and must comply with uniform methods and rules in control of brucellosis as published by USDA-APHIS-VS. A valid test for brucellosis must be a blood test conducted by a state or federal laboratory or by a veterinarian approved in the state of origin.
The ND State Board of Animal Health does not accept “test pending” for any testing requirements — test results must be listed on the Certificate of Veterinary Inspection. This is a firm rule with no exceptions, so make sure results are finalized before the certificate is issued.
Montana and the Yellowstone Corridor Exception
Even though North Dakota recognizes Montana’s brucellosis-free status overall, cattle and bison from certain southwestern Montana counties face stricter requirements. The North Dakota State Board of Animal Health recognizes Montana’s brucellosis-free status with the exception of cattle and bison from seven southwestern Montana counties. The board rescinded an earlier order requiring testing of most cattle and bison from Montana and issued a new order limiting the testing to cattle and bison from Beaverhead, Carbon, Gallatin, Madison, Park, Sweet Grass, and Stillwater counties.
Animals from those counties that must be tested include females 18 months of age or older, or that have calved or are near calving, as well as bulls 12 months and older. The order requires that any cattle and bison entering North Dakota from those counties be negative to an official test for brucellosis within 30 days prior to entry. These seven counties are adjacent to or near Yellowstone National Park, where brucellosis is common among bison and elk.
Milk and Cream Testing
Collection of milk and cream samples for conducting the brucellosis ring test is required. A producer of cream or milk must furnish samples of the cream or milk to an agent of the board and, upon request, must allow board agents to enter the premises and collect samples. This provision applies to dairy operations and ensures that brucellosis surveillance extends beyond beef cattle to the dairy sector as well.
| Animal Type | Testing Trigger | Test Window | Accepted Test Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Test-eligible cattle (import) | Entry into North Dakota | Within 30 days prior to entry | Blood test by state/federal lab or approved vet |
| Cattle from Montana DSA counties | Originating from 7 Yellowstone-adjacent counties | Within 30 days prior to entry | Official brucellosis test |
| Dairy cattle (milk/cream) | Ongoing surveillance | Upon request by board agents | Brucellosis ring test |
| Bison (condemned animals) | Positive brucellosis diagnosis | Slaughter within 30 days of condemnation | Determined by state veterinarian |
Interstate and Intrastate Movement Rules in North Dakota
Moving cattle or bison — whether across state lines or within North Dakota — triggers a set of documentation and identification requirements. Getting these right before you transport animals protects you from delays, rejection at the destination, and potential penalties.
Certificates of Veterinary Inspection
No animal or poultry that is infected with or has been recently exposed to any infectious or transmissible disease may be imported into North Dakota. Certificates of veterinary inspection are required on most animals imported. The certificate must be made on official state or federal forms and contain the names and addresses of the consignor and consignee, with an accurate description and identification of all animals.
Veterinarians signing the certificates of veterinary inspection are encouraged to contact the North Dakota State Veterinarian’s office to determine if test requirements listed on the website are current or if additional testing is required. Requirements can change, so confirming current rules before issuing a certificate is always the right move.
Official Individual Identification
Official individual ID is required for all sexually intact cattle, all dairy cattle, all cattle for exhibition, and all rodeo cattle. Official individual ID is not required for feeder beef heifers, feeder beef steers, and spayed beef heifers.
Acceptable forms of official ID include USDA silver tags, official brucellosis (Bangs) vaccination tags, and USDA-approved radio frequency identification tags. Make sure the correct tag type is in place before any movement, as the State Board of Animal Health will verify ID at the point of entry.
Reduced Requirements for Free-Status States
North Dakota’s State Board of Animal Health has officially recognized states deemed free of bovine brucellosis and bovine tuberculosis under federal guidelines. That means North Dakota producers can buy and import beef cattle and bison from those states with reduced vaccination and testing requirements for the two diseases. This reciprocity arrangement significantly reduces the paperwork and cost burden for transactions between recognized free-status states.
For related movement regulations that apply to other animals in North Dakota, you may also want to review roadkill laws in North Dakota and pet import laws in North Dakota. If you are also operating near the South Dakota border, see goat ownership laws in South Dakota for comparative livestock movement context.
Reporting and Quarantine Requirements in North Dakota
North Dakota treats brucellosis as a reportable disease, and the state’s quarantine provisions are among the most consequential rules a livestock producer can face. Understanding both obligations — reporting and quarantine — is essential if you ever suspect or confirm a brucellosis infection in your herd.
Reporting Obligations
Brucellosis caused by B. abortus is a reportable disease in the United States. All cases must be reported immediately to the state veterinarian’s office. In North Dakota, this obligation applies to any confirmed or suspected case in cattle, bison, or other regulated species. Delayed reporting is treated as a violation of state animal health law.
Brucellosis is also listed as a reportable condition under North Dakota’s human health reporting rules. Brucellosis is designated as a reportable condition under North Dakota Administrative Code Article 33-06, which means that human cases linked to livestock exposure must also be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services. This dual reporting structure reflects the zoonotic nature of the disease.
Quarantine of Infected Herds
When a herd tests positive for brucellosis, North Dakota law imposes strict quarantine conditions. Herds of cattle infected with brucellosis must be quarantined, with the quarantine prohibiting sale of all intact bulls and females, except to licensed, monitored feedlots or for immediate slaughter under written permit. Such cattle must be held separate and apart.
The same framework applies to bison. Herds of bison infected with brucellosis must be quarantined, with the quarantine prohibiting sale of all intact bulls and females except to licensed, monitored feedlots or for slaughter under written permit. Such bison must be held separate and apart. The state veterinarian may grant an exception by official permit as provided in that section.
Condemnation of Infected Animals
The state veterinarian has the authority to determine when an animal is infected with brucellosis and, if infected, to condemn the animal. Once condemned, the timeline is firm: bison condemned due to brucellosis must be marked in accordance with a method prescribed by the state veterinarian, and animals must be slaughtered within thirty days following condemnation.
For context on how quarantine and disease reporting obligations compare in other states, see brucellosis laws in Nevada and brucellosis laws in Minnesota.
Penalties for Brucellosis Violations in North Dakota
North Dakota does not treat brucellosis compliance as optional. Violations of the state’s animal health laws — including brucellosis-related statutes — can result in civil penalties, criminal charges, mandatory quarantine, and loss of the ability to buy or sell livestock. Understanding the penalty structure helps you appreciate why strict compliance is always the better path.
Statutory Authority and Enforcement
The North Dakota Century Code grants the State Board of Animal Health broad authority to enforce animal disease control regulations. The Animal Health Division monitors and regulates animal imports and exports, traces animal movement, issues and maintains records of official USDA tags and state certificates of veterinary inspection, and conducts disease testing on animals. This enforcement infrastructure means violations are difficult to conceal and are taken seriously when discovered.
Under NDCC 36-01 and NDCC 36-15, violations of brucellosis control rules can result in civil penalties assessed by the State Board of Animal Health. Moving animals in violation of a quarantine order, falsifying a certificate of veterinary inspection, or failing to report a known brucellosis infection are among the most serious offenses under North Dakota animal health law.
Consequences of Moving Quarantined Animals
If you move cattle or bison out of a quarantined herd without a written permit from the state veterinarian, you face potential criminal liability under North Dakota law. The State Board of Animal Health may also pursue civil remedies, including the cost of tracing and testing all animals that came into contact with the illegally moved livestock.
- Quarantine violations: Moving intact bulls or females from a brucellosis-infected herd without a written permit is a direct violation of NDCC 36-15 and applicable administrative rules.
- False documentation: Submitting a certificate of veterinary inspection with inaccurate test results or vaccination status can constitute fraud under North Dakota law.
- Failure to report: Knowingly failing to report a brucellosis-positive animal to the state veterinarian’s office is a violation of mandatory reporting obligations.
- Non-compliant ID: Moving sexually intact cattle without required official individual identification is an independent violation, separate from any brucellosis-specific charge.
Impact on Future Transactions
Beyond direct penalties, a brucellosis violation can have lasting commercial consequences. A quarantined herd cannot sell breeding stock on the open market. Animals can only move to licensed, monitored feedlots or to immediate slaughter, both of which typically yield lower returns than breeding or replacement markets. Rebuilding a herd’s clean status after a confirmed infection requires extensive retesting, extended surveillance periods, and close coordination with the State Board of Animal Health.
If you want to understand how other states in the region handle penalty structures for similar violations, see brucellosis laws in Michigan and brucellosis laws in Missouri. For other North Dakota animal law topics relevant to livestock and property owners, explore beekeeping laws in North Dakota, kennel zoning laws in North Dakota, and leash laws in North Dakota.
North Dakota’s brucellosis framework is built on decades of investment by producers, veterinarians, and regulators working together to achieve and protect disease-free status. Staying current with your vaccination records, testing documentation, and movement permits is not just a legal obligation — it is how you protect the value of your herd and the health of your neighbors’ operations. When in doubt, contact the North Dakota State Veterinarian’s office directly at 701-328-2655 before moving animals or making changes to your herd management practices.