Bison in Trouble: The Hidden Threat of Mycoplasma bovis

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. 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. About 57% of the infected herds had more than one outbreak, showing that this disease can stick around and keep causing problems. In some herds, up to 32% of the bison died, which is a huge loss. So, 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. But there's hope. 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.