Other times they are captured and tested, with those showing no signs of brucellosis exposure being released. Sometimes, they are shot. Doing less could cripple Montana's largest industry and could renew the public health threat that prompted the national Brucellosis Eradication Program in 1934. As the debate over bison management has raged on, the state, particularly the Livestock Department, has faced increasing criticism. State officials maintain Montana is caught in the middle between the Park Service, which allows the bison to leave the park, and federal animal inspectors who could take away Montana's brucellosis-free status if bison are allowed in Montana.
Critics contend the state is being inflexible and is catering to the cattle industry.
However, a Park Service spokeswoman was somewhat taken aback by the tone of the column. She also said it is estimated that half the park's bison have been exposed to the disease, but that does not necessarily mean they have contracted it. The Billings Gazette, a division of Lee Enterprises .