Debunking Brucellosis Myths

 

Debunking Brucellosis Myths

Montana just lost its brucellosis-free status, just as Idaho and Wyoming have in recent years, and stockgrowers and politicians blame the bison and elk herds living in Yellowstone National Park. But who's really at fault?

By Bill Schneider, 6-12-08

The cause or the victim? Photo by Benjamin Earwicker.

Montana just lost its brucellosis-free status, just as Idaho and Wyoming have in recent years. Whenever this happens, stockgrowers and politicians rush to blame the bison and elk herds living in Yellowstone National Park and the government for not doing enough to eradicate the disease.

When they should be blaming themselves.

Ranchers, especially in Wyoming but not only in Wyoming, have done more than anybody, even the federal government, to keep the brucellosis threat alive. And you could even argue that they want to keep it alive.

Debunking Brucellosis Myths | Politics | New West Network