Alternative 5

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Alternative 5: Aggressive Brucellosis Control within Yellowstone National Park through Capture, Test, and Removal

This alternative would implement an aggressive three-year capture and test program for all bison in the park, including those in its interior. Those testing negative would be released in the park, and seropositives would be shipped to slaughter. If a safe and effective vaccine was available, seronegative bison would also be vaccinated. Bison would not be allowed outside the park anywhere in Montana, and agencies would maintain northern and western boundaries. Bison at these boundaries would be hazed back into the park if possible, but shot if they were unresponsive to hazing. Capture facilities would be set up in nine areas. All untested bison would be shot in the latter stages of the capture, test, and slaughter program. When subsequent testing indicated brucellosis had been eradicated from the bison population, a new bison management plan would be prepared.