LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) – Nebraska agriculture officials are concerned that cattle imported into the state from drought-stricken areas of Texas and Oklahoma could bring diseases with them, so they are encouraging ranchers to follow import rules. State Agriculture Director Greg Ibach said Wednesday that officials have begun quarantining herds if ranchers haven’t followed import rules. The Agriculture Department is concerned that cattle from southern states could be infected with trichomoniasis. That disease can cause infertility and miscarriages in cattle. Ranchers must be able to prove the cattle they import are disease-free. Ibach says any Nebraska cattle producers who are thinking about importing animals should contact the state veterinarian’s office to make sure they understand the restrictions. More information is available on the Agriculture Department’s website, www.agr.ne.gov.