The Montana Department of Livestock is proposing a change to the boundary of the designated surveillance area (DSA) for brucellosis. The proposal is in response to the discovery of two brucellosis-exposed elk in the Ruby Mountains, which is outside the current DSA.
“The boundary adjustment will ensure that cattle and domestic bison at risk of exposure to infected wildlife are included in disease surveillance efforts,” said a released statement from MDOL.
State Veterinarian Marty Zauski said, “This is the fifth boundary adjustment in the 10 years that the DSA has existed. Each year, Livestock partners with Fish Wildlife and Parks to conduct live elk captures for brucellosis surveillance,” he said.
“Information from these captures help us determine where and if an expansion to the DSA is necessary in response to the presence of brucellosis-positive wildlife on the landscape.”
A public comment period for the proposal is open until 5 p.m. on June 18, 2020. Comments can be submitted via email to MDOLcomments@mt.gov. More information on the proposed rule can be found at www.mt.gov.
