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Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is entering into the second year of a five-year study on brucellosis in elk.

Samples from 99 elk have been taken so far and preliminary results indicate brucellosis is rising. Final test results are expected in two weeks. A compilation of results will enable wildlife managers to determine how to manage the elk in the future.

FWP Public Information Officer Andrea Jones says, "It also is about answering some questions. One, where are the elk getting this brucellosis? Where are they moving when they get it? How are they interacting with each other? And how are they interacting with say cattle or other livestock if that's the case? It's key to how we manage wildlife in the future."

The approximate cost of this federally funded study is approximately $300,000 a year.