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3:18 p.m. UI sheep researcher, Bulgin, placed on leave

June 17, 2009, 3:18 pm

The controversial University of Idaho professor and researcher who has testified on behalf of domestic sheep ranchers has been placed on voluntary leave pending the outcome of an investigation into whether her testimony was accurate.

The UI announced today that Marie Bulgin, head of Caine Veterinary Teaching Center at Caldwell, will take leave of her administrative duties and will not be involved with ongoing research into the transmission of disease from domestic sheep to wild bighorn sheep.

"The university and Bulgin have agreed that she will take leave from her administrative duties at the Caine Center and will not be involved in research projects on sheep and sheep-related diseases, nor publish or otherwise disseminate research materials regarding sheep or sheep-related diseases pending the outcome of the university's investigation. This change takes effect immediately," according to a statement released by the school.

Bulgin testified before the Idaho Legislature and in federal court that there is no scientific proof domestic sheep transmit pneumonia to bighorn sheep in the wild. Following her testimony, critics said she was aware or should have been aware of an unpublished study conducted at the Caine Center, which purported to document disease transmission between domestic sheep and bighorns in two separate incidents on the open range in Oregon and Nevada.

"The university is committed to integrity and accountability, and takes seriously its responsibility to ensure both," according to the UI release. "To that end, we are reviewing this case within the framework of all relevant university policies. The institution's general policies cover issues such as employee conduct, responsibility and accountability."

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For more on this story, see Thursday's Lewiston Tribune.