Federal Cuts Slow Wyoming’s Livestock Disease Response

Federal budget cuts are slowing Wyoming’s ability to respond to livestock disease outbreaks like anthrax and brucellosis. State Veterinarian Hallie Hazel warned lawmakers that response times, once six hours, could now take days after staff reductions at the Wyoming Livestock Board. The cuts also limit producer education, veterinarian support, and updates to the state’s animal health emergency plan—leaving ranchers concerned about future disease threats.