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One Elk Tests Positive For Brucellosis Southwest of Dillon

State of Montana

State wildlife and livestock officials say an elk captured in southwest Montana tested positive for exposure to brucellosis.

This is the first time a positive test was found in the Tendoy Mountains Southwest of Dillon, said officials from the Montana Department of Livestock.

The area is outside the area where ranchers are required to test livestock for brucellosis. The disease can cause cattle, bison and elk to abort.

The Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks say 100 elk were sampled.

Thirty elk were fitted with radio collars to study their movements and understand how the disease may spread. It is part of the Targeted Elk Brucellosis Surveillance project. 

“The discovery of an exposed elk in the Tendoys emphasizes the importance of elk surveillance
near the boundary of the DSA,” said Montana State Veterinarian Martin Zaluski in a press release, “We
appreciated this partnership with FWP which helps us continue to identify livestock potentially
at risk.”