Over 50 Pronghorn have died of disease near Gillette, Wyoming. Preliminary tests show that a bacteria, Mycoplasma Bovis, is responsible for this outbreak. In 2019, 75 Pronghorn died as a result of this bacterial disease. So far, it is under investigation by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department and Wyoming State Veterinary Laboratory.
While Mycoplasma Bovis has not significantly affected wildlife populations, it is becoming more of a concern. This is the second year in a row in which Pronghorn have died from this bacteria. Furthermore, there is a lot of data that remains unknown as to how these animals contract the disease and how officials can prevent it.
Officials first began noticing deaths in February of 2020. They are working on investigating different factors they believe may be causing it, but have yet to identify the source. Researchers do not believe that geographical location is a factor in the spread of this bacteria among the Pronghorn at this time.
Mycoplasma Bovis is a bacteria that mostly affects cattle. According to Frontiers in Microbiology, it causes “respiratory disease, mastitis, otitis media, arthritis, and reproductive disease.” However, it is unknown specifically how Pronghorn are being affected in comparison of how it affects cattle.
The Wyoming Game and Fish Department are continuing their efforts to survey for disease among wildlife across the state. Mycoplasma Bovis has only shown up in the Gillette area, which is causing officials to race for answers. The critical finding will be what the source of all of this is.
Officials warn that this this bacteria is completely different from Mycobaterium Bovis, which causes tuberculosis in cattle. They also ask that any residents of the Gillette area who finds any Pronghorn that is sick, or dead, to contact the Sheridan Regional Game and Fish Office at (307)-672-7418)
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