Governor blocks bison cull

Photo / Hawke's Bay Today

Montana's Governor has signed an executive order blocking the shipment of 525 of Yellowstone National Park bison to slaughter.

Democratic Governor Brian Schweitzer said he was worried the shipments could spread the disease brucellosis - now largely confined to Yellowstone's wildlife - to livestock.

The state has participated in past culls, but Schweitzer says he wants to send a message to federal officials that a new approach is needed on managing bison.