UI Prof Suspended for Big Horn Sheep Findings
By JOHN MILLER, Idaho Statesman, 11/15/09 [here]
BOISE, Idaho — A University of Idaho professor suspended from sheep research duties since June has repeated claims that wild bighorns don’t catch fatal diseases from domestic sheep, despite pledging not to disseminate information on the issue until the school completes an inquiry into her work.
An August interview with Marie Bulgin, head of the UI’s Caine Veterinary Teaching and Research Center in Caldwell, appeared in October’s edition of The Shepherd: A Guide for Sheep and Farm Life, an industry journal based in New Washington, Ohio.
In the story, Bulgin insists there’s no proof bighorns die after catching diseases from domestic sheep on the range.
“It’s the bighorns’ own pathogens that are killing them - not something they are picking up from domestic sheep or goats,” she is quoted as saying.
Wildlife advocates said her comments are virtually identical to those that helped lead to the UI inquiry. …
“It’s inappropriate for her to be doing this, pending conclusion of this review by the University of Idaho,” said Craig Gehrke, regional director of The Wilderness Society in Boise, on Friday. …
In June, Bulgin was suspended from leading the Caine center as UI administrators intervened to address concerns about the integrity and accountability of their researchers’ work and contributions to shaping public policy.
Bulgin also agreed to relinquish her involvement in sheep disease research and pledged to UI College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Dean John Hammel “to not write or disseminate any information until such time as the charges filed against me have been concluded,” according to a June 17 letter from Bulgin to Hammel obtained by The Associated Press.
University officials said they were aware of the article and are considering it as they continue their review. … [more]