WASHINGTON, D.C. – Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, released the following statement in response to the announcement that the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is amending its brucellosis regulations concerning interstate movement of cattle by changing Montana’s classification from Class A to Class Free. In order for a state to attain and keep its Class Free status, all cattle herds within that state must remain free of Brucella abortus for a period of 12 consecutive months. The last brucellosis-affected cattle herd in Montana was detected in May 2008.

"This is great news for Montana livestock producers, who are a crucial component of our economy. This status gives Montana a clean bill of health, and it’s up to the state and federal government to find a way to keep it that way. We know where brucellosis contamination is coming from, and there’s no reason it should rear its head again. I’ll keep doing my part to protect the livelihoods of Montana ranchers, while at the same time fighting to open markets around the world for the best beef in America."