The state of Montana is considering expanding the area around Yellowstone where livestock must be vaccinated and tested for the livestock disease brucellosis after several elk tested positive for the disease in the Ruby Mountains.
Montana animal disease zone could expand – AP
What this may mean for wildlife in the area is still uncertain. Threat of Brucellosis infection has been used by Livestock interests in the state of Montana to justify a brutal campaign to keep Yellowstone bison inside Yellowstone National Park and off of other public land habitat where bison would otherwise compete with public land livestock for forage. No documented transmission of Brucellosis from bison to cattle has ever taken place in the wild.
Recent occurrences of the disease in livestock in southwest Montana have been verified with evidence suggesting the most likely source being elk.
Comments
It’s always elk when it comes to cattle acquiring brucellosis, except for those cases when it is other cattle.
It has never been bison. Not even once.
Ignoring the facts don’t make them go away. NEVER have Bison transmitted BACK to cattle. unless humans stuffed the disease in every orifice. And humans are supposed to be the smarter species?
People seem to be in denial it is always elk that are carrying brucellosis.
Just a question out of pure curiosity, but have elk in N Yellowstone herd or Lolo elk been checked for brucellosis?
The Northern Yellowstone herd is infected with brucellosis. It is the likely source of almost all cattle brucellosis infections in Montana. The Jackson Hole elk herd and herds to its immediate south are very highly infected and the reason why both Wyoming and Idaho have lost their official brucellosis free status several times in the last decade. I have never herd of the Lolo elk having brucellosis or any cattle cases in the area.
Immer –
Can’t say with certainty, but there is no reason to check for brucellosis in the Lolo elk herd. No or very little cattle production in the Lolo Zone.
Ralph and Mark,
Thank you for the reply. Needless to say, one answered question always leads to another question. I am very aware of the N Yellowstone elk population fluctuations over the decades, and also am aware of the Lolo elk population slide over the past couple decades with the very low calf to cow ratio in Lolo. Wolves and bears do have an impact on calf survival.
So this leads to the next question. Does brucellosis have any impact on the elk population, or is it just that they carry the antibodies for it, and are largely unaffected by the effects of brucellosis?
Rammell making threats in Idaho Falls.
http://www.localnews8.com/video/28335490/index.html
A rather interesting fact. With Texas next to Mexico, and the brucellosis problems down there. Why in the WORLD would Texas drop Mandatory Brucellosis testing? hmmmmmmm is it because the facade is showing? the fact that it really is NOT about disease.