Idaho is again brucellosis-free, meaning that testing is no longer required for cattle leaving the state. Idaho lost its “free” status in January when the disease was found in a cattle herd in Swan Valley, near the Wyoming border. Idaho Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter says the cases are believed to have resulted from interaction with infected wild elk.

Idaho's new designation means Texas is the only state not officially free of brucellosis. But Bob Hillman, Texas state veterinarian, says Texas is due to undergo a USDA review of its brucellosis program and may achieve “free” status by year's end.