A meeting last Friday between state livestock officials in Montana, Wyoming and Idaho was the first step in creating a long term plan to eliminate the spread of brucellosis in the area. One plan is to test all bison at capture facilities, vaccinate those who test negative and slaughter those testing positive.

Another plan would be to use immuno contraception in brucellosis positive animals to stop them from reproducing and, as a result, spreading the disease. "No matter what kind of plan that we use it has to be socially acceptable," explained state veterinarian Marty Zaluski. "So that's a real important component. Secondarily is they are free ranging animals but they can, at the same time, be managed. But none the less, there is a lot, there are some challenges in wildlife."

One major challenge is the complicated jurisdiction over the Yellowstone Valley. Being spread over the three state area creates obvious issues. Add in that bison are federally managed animals and that another agency, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, manages elk in the area which also spread the disease. But if they can all get on the same page, officials are confident the threat of infection can be stopped.

"If we eliminate brucellosis from bison in the park, the prevalence in elk will decrease. And then also we will need to work with Wyoming to decrease or eliminate feed grounds in Wyoming to also reduce that reservoir of infection."

The bottom line, Zaluski says, the Yellowstone Valley is the only place in America brucellosis continues to affect wildlife and livestock. And it poses a significant risk that they are working to eliminate.