Brucellosis quarantine program approved

Yellowstone National Park has won approval to implement a quarantine program for bison. The study focused on the use of quarantine as a means of identifying brucellosis-free Yellowstone bison.

The quarantine program is aimed at augmenting or establishing new conservation and cultural herds of plains bison. It would also enhance cultural and nutritional opportunities for American Indians and reduce shipments of Yellowstone bison to slaughter facilities.

“Quarantine is a positive step forward for bison conservation,” said Yellowstone Superintendent Dan Wenk. “The NPS will continue to work closely with tribes, the state of Montana, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, and other stakeholders to implement this program.”

The finding of “no significant impact” came after a 45-day public scoping period in 2014.

You can find all the details here.