Wind River Closure Update

[Dave-Trinity-Farms]

Thanks for the posting. Was an interesting read. I still think above all else the science needs to be done. There was a lot of this and that going on between the speakers. Talk of separating the pack goat from the range goat is a weak argument at best. Yes the raising and care is a big factor in the difference between goats but as care doesnt depict the chance of disease transfer (aside from the likely hook of a goat catching the disease itself) this is a topic that should be discarded. Also the topic high lining and being watched by their owners, still not a valid argument. These opponents against pack goats (as mentioned) will always believe there is a threat of contact. Owners sleep away from their goats. This leaves the entire night open to close contact. I would of suggested a restriction to penning goats in a trailer at night. This would eliminate all possible contact. But aside from all the discussion, what it all boils down to is this.

Can a goat (regardless of pack, meat, dairy, range) pass a disease/sickness onto a wild sheep? This is the only thing that needs to be addressed and answered. And if the answer is yes, then pack goats should be restricted unless a no contact method can be established OR a test can be given prior to an outing can be done. Pack goat people are as a whole, nature lovers and wouldnt put at risk that which we love. So our focus should be on the science alone.