Brucellosis Plan to be presented in Jackson
by Wyoming Game and Fish Department
June 7, 2007
The Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) will hold a public meeting to present the Brucellosis Management Action Plan (BMAP) for the Jackson elk herd unit on June 12th, at 7:00 PM, at the Jackson Regional Game and Fish Office. The Jackson elk herd unit encompasses most of Jackson Hole north of Highway 22, containing the Gros Ventre winter elk feedgrounds, Grand Teton National Park, and the National Elk Refuge.
This plan was designed to identify what livestock producers and wildlife managers can do to reduce brucellosis transmission among wildlife and from wildlife to livestock. Biologists worked closely with local livestock producers and federal agencies to develop the recommendations outlined in these plans. The public can view the plan prior to the meeting at http://gf.state.wy.us/wildlife/Brucellosis/index.asp.
Eight options are presented in the BMAP to minimize brucellosis transmission risk. The pros and cons of each of these options will be presented, as well as the management options that Game and Fish will pursue.
The purpose of the meeting is to inform the public of what efforts are planned to reduce the risk of brucellosis transmission between elk and cattle, and from elk to elk. While Department officials will be on hand to answer any questions and concerns the public may have, formal public comment will not be recorded at the meeting.
The Jackson BMAP is the final plan to be completed by WGFD for the State's seven feedground elk herds. The BCT recommended that plans be updated annually.
The Governor's Brucellosis Coordination Team outlined the BMAP process as a critical step for preventing brucellosis transmission from elk to cattle and regaining the state's brucellosis free status. The state's brucellosis-free status was officially restored in September of 2006.
The Game and Fish supports the Americans with Disabilities Act. Anyone needing auxiliary aids to attend this meeting should call (800) 843-8096 (in-state only) or 307-875-3223. Every effort will be made for reasonable accommodations.
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