Elk Captured on the Crow Reservation Test Negative for Brucellosis

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, in conjunction with Crow Tribe Fish and Game, recently captured elk on the Crow Reservation as part of a collaborative effort between the Crow Tribe, FWP and the Department of Livestock. Blood samples from all 99 captured elk tested negative for brucellosis. Capture operations on the Crow Reservation were conducted in late January. Thirty elk were outfitted with GPS collars that will be active for one year to help wildlife managers with the Crow Tribe and FWP better understand elk seasonal ranges, migration routes and areas of potential mixing with other elk herds on and off the reservation.

FWP’s Wildlife Veterinarian Jennifer Ramsey said the goals of these capture operations are to evaluate the presence of brucellosis in elk and better understand the movement of Montana’s elk populations and that the research helps wildlife managers and animal health officials understand the potential overlap of elk and livestock on the landscape, and thus disease transmission risk between these species.

Brucellosis is a bacterial disease that can infect humans, cattle, bison and elk and can result in abortion or the birth of weak calves in cattle, bison and elk. The disease is primarily transmitted through contact with infected birth tissues and fluids.