A New Fund for Ranchers Near Yellowstone Will Help Cover Costs of Brucellosis Quarantine

The newly established East Yellowstone Brucellosis Compensation Fund aims to support ranchers in Park County, near Yellowstone National Park, by offsetting costs associated with brucellosis-related quarantines. Brucellosis, a reproductive disease often transmitted from elk to cattle, can cause significant financial strain, particularly for smaller ranches. The fund, launched in January, complements Wyoming’s mitigation reimbursement program, which recently increased its maximum payout to $50,000 per quarantine. However, combined funding still falls short of covering the full costs of quarantine events for many ranchers.

The initiative, facilitated by Legacy Works Group and supported by nonprofits, addresses concerns raised by landowners about the economic impact of brucellosis. While larger ranches may mitigate costs by using alternative pastures, smaller operations face substantial financial burdens, with some exceeding $100,000 in expenses. Ranchers hope the fund will alleviate financial pressures and allow them to better manage risk by separating cattle and elk calving areas.