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OCTOBER 19, 2000

The US Geological Survey and the National Park Service are working on a vaccine for brucellosis, in hopes of using it on bison they have feared will transmit the disease to cattle.

The vaccine could either be shot into the bison with a pellet gun from a distance or it could be placed in bait to be consumed. The USGS tested shooting recently but said the tough, thick hides of the buffalo prevents difficulties in penetration.

In recent years, some 1,500 bison in the park have been shot by game officials in Montana. The NPS recently came up with a proposal to change the policy.

The plan calls for keeping the bison and cattle populations separate in management zones and for shooting of bison only if efforts to keep bison away from cattle fail.

Get the Story:
Brucellosis vaccine sought to let buffalo roam (The Denver Post 10/19)

Get the Bison Environmental Impact Statement:
Final Environmental Impact Statement for the Interagency Bison Management Plan for the State of Montana and the Yellowstone National Park (NPS August 2000)

Relevant Links:
Tour Dates and Ticket Information - www.honorearth.com/tour2000/index.html
Honor the Earth - www.honorearth.com

Related Stories:
The Future of the Yellowstone Buffalo (Winona LaDuke. Honor the Earth 2000)
Comments on bison slaughter extended (Enviro 10/3)
Recap: Honor the Earth opens in Montana (Arts and Entertainment 10/2)
Honor the Earth concert kicks off (Arts and Entertainment 9/29)
Groups to Honor the Earth (Enviro 08/18)