Disease testing required in Yellowstone area of MT

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By The Associated Press

Story Published: Oct 14, 2009 at 4:41 AM MST

Story Updated: Oct 14, 2009 at 4:41 AM MST

BILLINGS - State officials say livestock producers in seven Montana counties must get their cattle tested for brucellosis before the end of the year.

Sexually intact cattle 12 months of age or older must be tested for the disease, which causes premature abortions in pregnant cows and wildlife including elk and bison.

Some cattle producers may be able to avoid testing all of their animals if they complete a risk survey and are found to have a low risk of disease transmission from elk.

Elk in the greater Yellowstone region were the suspected culprits in all seven cattle herds that tested positive for the disease this decade.

The Yellowstone area of Montana, Idaho and Wyoming is the last known reservoir of brucellosis in the nation.

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