Wyoming outlines chronic wasting disease plan

Wyoming Game and Fish officials believe Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is probably affecting some deer populations in areas that have seen a high prevalence of the disease. In response, the department has now implemented several initiatives to keep disease under control.

Biologists have been keeping a close eye on CWD for more than two decades. A CWD-positive moose was found in Star Valley in 2008 and mule deer tested positive near Pinedale and Thayne in 2017.

Since then, Game and Fish officials believe CWD will arrive in elk feed grounds in the future. So far, the disease has not been detected in wintering elk on any of the state’s 22 feedgrounds.

The department has provided supplemental feed to elk during the winter months for more than 100 years to maintain some key objectives. Those include separating elk from cattle to prevent property damage and to minimize the transmission of brucellosis to cattle.

At the same time, feedgrounds concentrate large numbers of elk in small areas for several months. That increases the potential for the spread of diseases, including CWD.

“When CWD is found on elk feedgrounds, we will all be faced with some difficult discussions regarding elk management in western Wyoming,” said Brad Hovinga, Jackson regional wildlife supervisor. “Game and Fish has been working to lay the groundwork to minimize impacts and be prepared, but we realize this is a serious wildlife dilemma where solutions will require broad public support and a collaborative approach that includes help from partner agencies, elected officials, sportspersons, the general public and local communities.”

The department’s plan includes increased personnel and surveillance. Regional disease biologist positions will focus on monitoring and addressing disease. Seasonal CWD feedground biologists will be hired in the Jackson and Pinedale regions. Under the new plan, any animal exhibiting potential symptoms of CWD will be lethally removed and sampled. Wardens will be trained to collect samples.

Game and Fish will step up disease research on feedgrounds, using a modified hay distribution system to decrease elk density. They will also discontinue feeding as early as possible in the spring to lower disease transmission.

The department is also collaborating with the University of California at Berkely, the National Elk Refuge, Grand Teton National Park and the Bridger-Teton National Forest to determine elk movement patterns and seasonal habitat selection.

In addition, Game and Fish is developing a plan to create local working groups in Teton, Sublette, and Lincoln Counties. The groups will serve an advisory role on feedground management related to CWD and help facilitate public communication.