More CWD detected near Lander

LANDER (WNE) — The fatal brain disease affecting deer, elk and other ungulates that’s spread across most of the state was detected in a deer in hunt area 94 near Lander.

Chronic wasting disease is a contagious brain disease that affects the central nervous system of deer, elk and moose. As the disease progresses, animals lose weight, drool, become lethargic and die.

The disease is spread through saliva, urine, feces and carcasses; animals may also become infected by contaminated feed or pasture because the abnormally folded proteins (called prions) that cause CWD can remain active on surfaces for many years.

In Wyoming, the disease has been found in many hunting areas and was first detected in mule deer in the southeast in 1985, then in elk in 1986. It is most prevalent in hunt area 65.

There, research has shown declines in the populations of mule and white-tailed deer populations.

The disease is less prevalent in elk, but Rocky Mountain National Park research suggests it may affect elk at a rate of 13%. As for moose, while CWD has been detected in the species, it does not appear to have an impact on moose populations.

Hunters are asked to provide samples to Wyoming Game and Fish for testing. To test for the disease, lymph nodes are removed and tested.

Hunters may also submit samples for testing at Game and Fish check stations or at the agency’s regional offices. Game and Fish advises that game meat be frozen until CWD test results are available.

While the state does not provide guidelines about the safety of consuming CWD-positive game meat, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises that CWD-infected meat not be eaten.

To learn more about CWD and its spread in Wyoming, visit https://wgfd.wyo.gov/search?textfield-search=chronic+wasting+disease&type=All

This story was published on November 6, 2024.