WYG&F: Hunters Take Active Part in Monitoring Brucellosis

Wyoming Game and Fish Department Public Information Officer Christina Schmidt appeared on Sheridan Media’s Pulse asking elk hunters in targeted areas to collect blood samples during the 2026 hunting season to monitor brucellosis, a bacterial disease that can cause elk, bison and cattle to abort calves.

This year in the Sheridan Region surveillance is focused on elk hunt areas 33-38 in the Bighorn Mountains.

C. Schmidt  

Hunters should collect blood immediately after harvest while wearing latex or nitrile gloves. The sample must be kept cool, but not frozen. 

Schmidt also asked hunters to complete the information card and promptly return samples to Game and Fish personnel, regional offices or by mail.

Learn more about brucellosis and watch a video on how to collect a sample by clicking here.