Rancher near Daniel decides to slaughter infected herd LARAMIE, WYO. (wpr) - The western Wyoming rancher whose herd tested positive for brucellosis has decided to slaughter the entire herd.

Wyoming state veterinarian Walter Cook says the rancher's only other option was to test the herd three more times in the next year and keep the cattle quarantined.

"And I think remaining under quarantine was pretty untenable for his operation," Cook said.

The Sublette County rancher's identity is protected by state law. He has until October 5th to slaughter the herd... or Wyoming will lose its brucellosis-free market status.

But Cook says Wyoming could lose that status anyway.

Another brucellosis-infected cow in Nebraska has been traced to Sublette County. Cook says it's possible another Wyoming cattle herd is infected. The state is investigating. © Copyright 2009, wpr