Search » Advanced

Be outraged

On whatever side of the fence you stand on regarding the Yellowstone buffalo and brucellosis controversy, two things are certain. This disease hasn't been eliminated and our tax dollars are being spent foolishly.


 In the year 2002, the federal Animal, Plant Health Inspection Service allocated over $10 million for brucellosis eradication. Year 2003 it was $9 million. For 2004 it's another $9 million. Do the math and see for yourselves just what a never-ending money pit this has become for not only Montana taxpayers but for all taxpayers collectively. The government will continue spending our money irresponsibly if we don't start speaking out louder saying, We want it stopped! Decisions are being made based upon methods and regulations that have proven themselves ineffective over and over again. We should all be outraged that our tax dollars have supported this for so long! The illogical disbursement of said money going toward the relentless hazing and slaughtering of the Yellowstone herd, when there are a number of more cost-effective and humane alternatives out there just waiting to be tried, is appalling!

The gene known as NRAMP1 is prevalent in the Yellowstone buffalo and has shown to have a major impact on controlling a natural resistance to brucellosis in this particular herd. Maintaining this trait seems a sensible consideration for long-term brucellosis management. Obviously this disease has little effect on the buffalo and yet the government continues to spend our money knowing this. "Why?" Because we let them.

The fact that brucellosis is still an issue only proves that the Interagency Bison Management Plan isn't working. There has never been a case of brucellosis transmission from buffalo to cattle in the wild. To vaccinate bison without adding elk to this equation makes absolutely no sense at all. The focus of this disease should be on livestock, not wildlife.

Don't be fooled. There are varying degrees of brucellosis. That which buffalo carry isn't a human death threat. If it were then Montana Department of Livestock wouldn't distribute the meat for human consumption, would they?

Please take time to educate yourselves on this issue. Thousands of people can't be wrong. Remember, what you permit, you promote.

Karrie Taggart

West Yellowstone

Reader Comments

The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of The Bozeman Daily Chronicle. Please read our Online Users Agreement.
You must register with a valid e-mail to post comments on BozemanDailyChronicle.com. Only your Member ID will be posted with your comments. Posts that violate our Online User Agreement will be edited or removed.

Login:

Become a Registered User

Member ID:
*Password:
Remember login?
(requires cookies)
  Forgot Your Password?
 

Do not use usernames or passwords from your financial accounts!

Note: Fields marked with an asterisk (*) are required!

Create a Member ID:
*Choose a password:
*Re-enter password:
E-mail Address:
Year of Birth:
 

(children under 13 cannot register)

First Name:
Last Name:
Company:
Home Phone:
Business Phone:
Address:
City:
State:
Zip Code:
Web site:
 

Printer friendly version Subscribe