6-19 IAT Brucellosis

 A recent article in the Billings Gazette stated that Montana's state veterinarian says most Yellowstone National Park bison have been pushed back into the park before cattle are expected to return to the West Yellowstone area. Veterinarian Martin Zaluski said that about 35 bison remain in an area that's more than five miles from where the cattle were due to arrive.

State and federal officials try to keep bison and livestock separate to prevent the wild animals from potentially transmitting the disease brucellosis, which can cause pregnant animals to miscarry. Dr. Zaluski said about 280 bison were driven deep into Yellowstone's interior following repeated efforts to get them to stay in the park. During a conversation with Idaho State veterinarian, Dr. Bill Barton, I had a question about Idaho cattle. Is brucellosis still a major concern? “ “Major concern, yes.  Not that we have so much of it. We certainly do in the wildlife populations in and around the park. We do not have any new herds identified, livestock herds, in the last year within the three Yellowstone area states. It is a concern to our trading partners. It is also a very big concern for us to satisfy their needs and to keep our markets and the borders freely open to our cattle.”