Date: August 18, 2008
Contact: Al Nash, 307-344-2015
Contact: Stacy Vallie, 307-344-2015
National Park Service
U.S. Department of the Interior
Yellowstone National Park
P.O. Box 168
Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 18, 2008 08-072
Al Nash or Stacy Vallie (307) 344-2015
----------------------------------------------------
YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK NEWS RELEASE
----------------------------------------------------
Blood Test Required Before Bringing Stock
Into Yellowstone National Park
Owners of horses, mules, and burros need to have proof that their animals have recently been tested for Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA) before bringing them into Yellowstone National Park.
The virus is spread from infected to healthy animals through large biting insects like horseflies. There is no vaccine, treatment, or cure. The disease can be fatal to members of the horse family.
The only way to know if an animal is infected with EIA is to conduct a Coggins Test. This test checks for EIA antibodies in the animal’s blood. Proof that a negative Coggins Test has been conducted in the past 12 months must accompany every equine that enters the park.
Yellowstone National Park does not require a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection or perform brand inspections on stock animals.
Overnight stock use in Yellowstone’s backcountry is allowed at designated campsites beginning July 1; however some campsites and trails may open later than July 1 due to wet conditions. Some trails may open for day use prior to that date depending on trail conditions. There are no stock boarding facilities at park campgrounds or trailheads.
More information on stock use in the park is available by contacting the Backcountry Office at (307) 344-2160.
-www.nps.gov/yell –
