Cattle group calls for elk, bison reductions in Yellowstone Eds: APNewsNow. Will be led.

By MATTHEW BROWN Associated Press Writer BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) A nationwide cattlemen's group is calling on Yellowstone National Park to reduce bison and elk numbers as part of efforts to eradicate the livestock disease brucellosis.

After being nearly eliminated elsewhere in the country over the last several decades, brucellosis still lingers in the park's wildlife.

The disease, first brought to the area by early European settlers, causes pregnant cows to abort their calves.

Infections in cows surfaced in recent weeks on two ranches in the Greater Yellowstone area in Daniel, Wyo. and Pray, Mont. The source of infection is under investigation.

To guard against future transmissions, the California-based U.S.

Cattlemen's' Association says the federal government should reduce Yellowstone's elk and bison populations to help contain the animals within the park.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 06-23-08 1649CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list