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State corrals 60 loose bison, 5 protesters Animals' fate awaits results of brucellosis tests By JOE KOLMAN Gazette Bozeman Bureau WEST YELLOWSTONE - Approximately 60 bison wandering outside Yellowstone National Park were captured Wednesday by the state Department of Livestock. Five members of a group protesting the capture of park bison were arrested for allegedly trying to interfere with the early morning operation near Horse Butte. In accordance with a controversial interim management plan for bison entering Montana, the animals captured Wednesday will be tested for exposure to the disease brucellosis. Those testing positive will be shipped to slaughter while those testing negative will be released. State officials contend that capturing and testing of the bison is necessary to prevent the disease from spreading to cattle, in which it causes cattle to abort their calves. Others, including members of the Buffalo Field Campaign that protest the captures, contend the risk of transmission is so low that the bison should be allowed to roam free on public land such as the Gallatin National Forest, where the Horse Butte corral is located. According to a Field Campaign news release, more than 20 law enforcement officers from the state Livestock Department, the Forest Service, the Montana Highway Patrol and the Gallatin County Sheriff's office were on hand for the operation. "Despite the inaccuracy of their testing process and the inability of these buffalo to transmit brucellosis, these agencies continue to waste taxpayer money on the capture and slaughter of America's last wild herd of buffalo," said Pete Leusch in the release. Department of Livestock officials could not be reached for comment Wednesday afternoon. Protesters arrested included Molly Karp, 17; James Blakely, 19; Allison Lovejoy, 21; Jeremy O'Day, 22; and Robert Laitman. Wednesday's operation brings the total number of bison captured this season to more than 100. So far, 27 bison have been destroyed, with the meat going to Indian groups or charitable organizations.
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