Montana loses disease-free status for cattle Montana has lost its federal disease-free status for brucellosis, triggering mandatory testing of cattle being shipped out of state. Brucellosis, which can cause female cattle to abort their young, has been found twice in Montana in the last two years near Yellowstone National Park. Eradicated elsewhere in the country, the disease persists in Yellowstone's bison, elk and other wildlife and is occasionally transmitted to cattle. The testing of cattle is expected to cost ranchers in the state's billion-dollar cattle industry an estimated $6 million to $12 million. It will be required of export cattle that are capable of breeding and over 18 months of age, at a cost of $7.50 to $12 per head....