Bison Slaughtered to Prevent Spread of Brucellosis

by Sherry Morse and Patricia Collier

The United States National Park Service recently sent 231 members of the bison herd kept in Yellowstone National Park to slaughterhouses to ensure the animals would not spread brucellosis, a bacterial disease that can prevent reproduction, to cows on nearby farms.

The action was taken after approximately 30 of the bison were discovered on private property while searching for food.

In accordance with the Interagency Bison Management Plan, to which the Montana Department of Livestock (MDL), the United States Forest Service and other government agencies are signatories, the 231 animals were not tested for brucellosis before being slaughtered.

The Plan calls for testing before slaughter only if the number of bison in Yellowstone is less than 3,000. There currently are about 3,800 of the animals in the park.

"We cannot allow them to leave...and we cannot always keep them in," said Yellowstone spokesperson Marsha Karle.

"These animals have a right to exist," said Buffalo Field Campaign spokesperson Ted Fellman. "This is the only continuously free roaming herd of bison in the country. Yellowstone National Park should be a safe place for wildlife."

There is a vaccine for brucellosis, but it is not completely effective.

© 2003 Animal News Center, Inc.