By Breanna Ball, Wyoming Game and Fish Department
CODY, Wyo. — The Wyoming Game and Fish Department has recently confirmed the presence of chronic wasting disease (CWD) in Elk Hunt Area 58. This unfortunate discovery was made when a bull elk, harvested by a hunter in early October, tested positive for the disease.
Elk Hunt Area 58, situated in the Cody Region, shares borders with two areas that have previously detected CWD in elk. In 2022, the disease was discovered in Hunt Area 59 to the west and in 2018, it was found in Hunt Area 66 to the east. Furthermore, Elk Hunt Area 58 overlaps with Deer Hunt Area 113, where CWD has also been detected.
To ensure that hunters are well-informed, the Game and Fish Department promptly announces the presence of CWD in new hunt areas. As recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, hunters are advised not to consume any animal that shows obvious signs of illness or tests positive for CWD.
Continued monitoring of CWD is crucial for the Game and Fish Department to comprehend the potential impacts of the disease and evaluate future management strategies for deer and elk populations. You can find a detailed map of CWD-endemic areas on the Game and Fish website. It is important to note that CWD is 100% fatal to infected deer, elk, and moose. In 2022, Game and Fish personnel tested a total of 6,701 lymph node samples from deer, elk, and moose, primarily collected from hunters.
For further information on chronic wasting disease testing, transmission, and regulations regarding transportation and disposal of carcasses, please visit the Game and Fish website.
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