Game and Fish continues to notify hunters of new areas where CWD is found
1/18/2019 8:45:54 AM
Cheyenne – The
Wyoming Game and Fish Department confirmed a cow elk has tested
positive for chronic wasting disease (CWD) in Elk Hunt Area 37. The elk
was harvested by a hunter in late December. CWD has been previously
documented in deer in overlaying Deer Hunt Area 24 but this is the first
time an elk has tested positive.
To
ensure that hunters are informed, Game and Fish announces when CWD is
found in a new hunt area. The Centers for Disease Control recommends
that hunters not consume any animal that is obviously ill or tests
positive for CWD.
A map of CWD endemic areas is available on the Game and Fish website.
The
Wyoming Game and Fish Department is concerned about CWD and how it may
affect the future of Wyoming’s deer. The disease is fatal to deer, elk
and moose. Recent research in Wyoming and Colorado shows that it may
pose a threat to deer populations in areas with a high prevalence of the
disease.
In
2018, Game and Fish personnel tested 5,280 CWD samples during this
year’s hunting seasons, a significant increase from past years and
continues to evaluate new recommendations for trying to manage the
disease.
Please visit the Game and Fish website for more information on chronic wasting disease transmission and regulations on transportation and disposal of carcasses.
(Christina Schmidt – (307) 620-2785)
– WGFD –
End of article courtesy Wyoming Game and Fish Department. Full article is here https://wgfd.wyo.gov/News/CWD-found-in-a-new-elk-hunt-area-near-Sheridan.