Bison in Trouble: The Hidden Threat of Mycoplasma bovis

A Sneaky Germ Causing Big Problems

Bison in the United States are facing a serious problem: Mycoplasma bovis (M. bovis). This sneaky germ is causing big issues for bison herds, making them sick and even killing some. It's not just bad for the animals; it's also hurting the people who raise them and the efforts to protect bison.

Recent Study Reveals Alarming Findings

A recent study looked at 81 bison herds to understand how M. bovis spreads and what makes it more likely to infect bison. The findings were concerning:

• 57% of infected herds had more than one outbreak.
• In some herds, up to 32% of the bison died, which is a huge loss.

What's Making This Happen?

The study found that bigger herds and herds that share fences with cattle are more at risk. This suggests that as bison farming becomes more intensive and bison are kept closer to cattle, the chances of M. bovis spreading increase.

Hope on the Horizon

The study also provides clues on how to manage and control this disease. By understanding the risks, bison producers can take steps to protect their herds and keep bison healthy.