Montana elk test positive for exposure to brucellosis
HUNTING — Six of 16 cow elk captured just north of the Wyoming border have tested positive for exposure to brucellosis, researchers say.
The results are from a sampling of 94 elk captured south of Big Timber by Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks crews in January.
According to the Casper Star-Tribune , the elk were captured on Forest Service land in Montana where there are no cattle grazing allotments.
Brucellosis can cause cattle to abort their calves. Cattle in Wyoming typically catch brucellosis from elk that carry the disease.
People can get brucellosis by drinking unpasteurized milk but human cases in the U.S. are rare.
The bacterial disease is usually transmitted through contact with infected tissues and fluids.
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