× Thanks for reading! Log in to continue. Enjoy more articles by logging in or creating a free account. No credit card required. Log in Sign up {{featured_button_text}}

As a Montanan, having livestock experience, I understand the importance of protecting livestock from disease. I am also a conservationist hunter, advocating for our Public Trust wildlife, the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation. The two interests are not incompatible.

Brucellosis, originally introduced to the Greater Yellowstone Area by livestock, spread to and became naturalized in elk and bison populations. Due to 23 Wyoming elk feed grounds, the unnatural congregations of migratory elk has created a breeding ground for disease, including brucellosis.

If exposed, an elk’s blood can test positive for brucellosis antibodies, representing immunity, yet not be infected/infectious. There is no test differentiating between immunity and infection/infectious, without killing the animal.