BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — A federal review of Montana's efforts to limit the spread of the livestock disease brucellosis commends the state for taking a proactive approach to the problem.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture says Montana has made strides in tracking the disease in wildlife and making sure at-risk livestock are tested.
The agency review comes after a string of cattle infections in recent years. Those highlighted the risk of transmissions and renewed prevention efforts.
Brucellosis can cause pregnant animals to miscarry. It's been largely eradicated in livestock but persists in wildlife in and around Yellowstone National Park.
Federal officials also say Montana needs to improve in some areas. That includes better disease surveillance for cattle prior to the animals being shipped to slaughter, and more risk assessments for cattle herds.
