The battle against brucellosis in Greater Yellowstone is being reinforced as it has been reported that the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service or APHIS sought the help of a science panel brought together for the purpose of dealing with the transmission of the disease affecting a large number of bison and elk.

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On July 1 and 2, 10 individuals from the National Academy of Sciences group attended a conference and witnessed different presentations from state and federal wildlife and livestock representatives as well as Yellowstone National Park officials at Montana State University, according to FOX News Radio.

During the conference, the panel learned about the complexity of the problem at hand, the immensity of the wild lands affected by the malady and the clashing management missions of the agencies.

"We want you to... help us see a future path for actions we might take to address brucellosis in the Greater Yellowstone Area," APHIS representative Ryan Clarke told the National Academy of Sciences group.

The science panel was assigned by APHIS to examine the feasibility, time frame and cost effectiveness of options to control or abolish brucellosis all over the 22 million acres area.

Furthermore, the board was also tasked to research on the "likelihood of developing more effective vaccines, delivery systems and diagnostic protocols for cattle, bison and elk."

The recent brucellosis outbreak in Montana is reportedly linked to elk. Another study conducted at an earlier time though, asserted that the eradication of brucellosis in the GYA was unlikely.

Despite previous investigation results however, Clarke said APHIS is determined to pursue its goal.

"We've hit a glass wall," said Clarke. "We can see where we want to be but need advice on how to get there."

Meanwhile, Yellowstone officials do not seem to share the same sentiments with APHIS, contending that "livestock concerns don't take into consideration the huge economic impact that wildlife and tourism have in communities and states surrounding the park," The Weekly Observer reported.

"Even if the bison weren't infected with brucellosis, there are other reasons surrounding states are against the migration of bison outside the park, including competition with livestock producers for grass, as well as concerns about property damage and injury to humans. The management of bison isn't going to solve the problem regionally," Yellowstone wildlife resources chief P.J. White said.

"Reducing the prevalence of brucellosis in bison in the park would take decades and decades of work and would still not change how the animals are managed and would still leave many bison carrying the disease," White added.

Aside from being a research group mainly aiming to reduce the possibility of brucellosis transmission in bison by using birth control, APHIS is among the agencies participating in Montana's Interagency Bison Management Plan. It also supports the Montana Department of Livestock's brucellosis management program, NY City News has learned.

TagsBrucellosis, Greater Yellowstone, Science