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Delaware achieved State-wide certification on January 10, 1957. Since that time the program has been directed toward the maintenance of this status and further reduction of infection rates.

During the year improved control over the movement of cattle from auction markets to farms was attained.

Although the State brucellosis committee is still in existence it was not active during 1957.

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Infection rates at the time State-wide certification was granted were quite 1.16 percent herd and 0.33 percent animal. Consequently, it is proving difficult to further reduce the incidence.

No provisions for State certification of brucellosis-free swine herds are available in Delaware. Owners of the small swine population in the State have exhibited very little interest in such a program to date.

Good progress has been made in the Florida brucellosis eradication program despite a lack of State funds for additional personnel and a reluctance on the part of practicing veterinarians to participate fully in area testing.

The most significant improvements incorporated into the program during the past year was adoption by the State of the Federal Interstate Brucellosis Regulation governing the admission of cattle, prohibiting adult vaccination after December 31, 1957, and requiring by regulation that with minor exceptions all cattle brought into Florida for dairy and breeding purposes after December 31, 1957 be official calfhood vaccinates.

The State Brucellosis Committee has been helpful in the interest of the program. However, there are no Committees organized on a local level.

Based on current work, it is estimated that ten counties will be initially certified during the year, with complete area testing in 4 additional counties at the close of the year. A total of 24 counties should be certified by December 31, 1958. The State certification goal of 1960 remains unchanged.

Florida regulations provide for a brucellosis-free swine certification program but so far the industry has shown very little interest in the problem. During the year, three new swine herds were certified making a total of seven. It is anticipated there will be about 27 brucellosis-free swine herds in the State by December 31, 1958.

To the limit of available funds, excellent progress has been made in furthering brucellosis activities in Georgia. There are no recognized major deficiencies in the program as now constituted. In most of the counties under area test, there have been a few herds located in swampy or otherwise ranges which have delayed the work. Also, recent heavy infestation of screwworms has retarded blood testing to some extent.

The State has broadened the use of agricultural employees by expanding the roles played by Extension Service and vocational personnel. In many counties prison labor has been utilized to good advantage in building chutes and in restraining cattle for tests. Local brucellosis committees have made valuable and extensive contributions to the success of the program.

If present operating levels are continued, it is estimated that 80 counties will be certified during calendar year 1958 and that complete area testing will be in progress in 36 additional counties by the close of the year. A total of 104 counties should be qualified at the end of the calendar year 1958. Although January 1, 1960 remains the target date for statewide certification, it should be attained earlier if the present rate of progress is maintained.

There are provisions in Georgia for certification of brucellosis-free swine herds. This program is well accepted by the purebred breeders. However, there is considerable interest in inaugurating certification on a county basis. During the year eight new swine herds were certified, making a total of ten. By December 31, 1958, it is estimated that this number will increase to thirty.

All counties in Idaho have been declared brucellosis test areas, but because of the shortage of veterinary personnel, efforts are concentrated on the counties that can be certified within the 18 month limitation that has been established. It is anticipated that 26 to 28 of the State's 44 counties will be certified by the end of the current calendar year.

The goal for Statewide certification is still 1960.

The brucellosis program has been strengthened during the past year by the application of quarantines on infected herds until they have passed two negative tests. The over-all infection rate is continuing its decline.

There are no provisions for the certification of brucellosis-free swine herds in Idaho. However, all breeding swine entering the State are required to be tested, and all breeding animals at purebred swine sales are required to be tested. Voluntary swine herd testing is available at State expense.

Adequate legislation for conducting area brucellosis eradication work became effective in Illinois on July 1, 1957. Funds for the payment of indemnity were made available on the same date. Progress since July 1, 1957 has been excellent.

The goal for State-wide certification has been advanced from December 31, 1960 to January 1, 1960. Thirty counties are expected to be initially certified during 1958, with area work under way in 60 of the 102 counties in the State.

Recent legislation requires all dairy and breeding herds of cattle to be under an approved plan for the eradication of brucellosis. Any county with less than 3 percent cattle infection may be declared an area for brucellosis certification purposes by the Director of Agriculture. All herds in any county so declared must follow the provisions of Plan A.

Local brucellosis committees have been very helpful in sponsoring the program. The committees have furnished helpers for outside veterinarians working in counties which do not have practicing veterinarians.

The main hindrance to the program is the lack of practicing veterinarians in many of the southern counties.

Provisions for the certification of brucellosis-free swine herds by the State are in existence. Illinois law prohibits the sale of female swine 4 months of age and over for breeding purposes and the sale or service of any male swine for breeding purposes, unless such swine have been tested by the blood agglutination test within 60 days and do not show a reaction higher than 1:25.

Five swine herds are presently certified and it is anticipated that at least five additional herds will be added in 1958.