NATIONAL VETERINARIANS PASS RESOLUTION TO

SUPPORT SPECIAL LIVESTOCK DISEASE MANAGEMENT ZONE

State Veterinarian Dr. Martin Zalusky recently represented Montana at the U.S. Animal Health Association meeting in Greensboro, North Carolina.  The group passed a resolution calling for recognition of a special zone around Yellowstone Park - the last reservoir of brucellosis in the U.S.  This resolution could prompt new federal rules limiting restrictions to just the Yellowstone area. This proposed "special livestock disease management zone" around Yellowstone Park is similar to what Montana Cattlemen's Association called for in 2007. 

Brett DeBruycker, President of MCA, said "I would like to thank Dr. Zalusky for his hard work in developing a program that will allow for 97% of Montana's cow herd to regain a brucellosis free status.  Such a plan will enable us to better focus our resources directly on the problem area surrounding Yellowstone Park."

Kim Baker, MCA Vice-President and member of Montana's Veterinary Medicine Board, notes "This national group of veterinarians, biologists, livestock producers, and others should be commended for putting aside emotion and taking a pragmatic and analytical approach to solving the brucellosis challenge in the Yellowstone region of Idaho, Wyoming and Montana."