Chronic Wasting Disease Detected in New Wyoming Hunting Areas
The Wyoming Game and Fish Department has confirmed new cases of chronic wasting disease (CWD) in additional hunting zones across the state.
Through routine hunter-harvested surveillance, CWD was detected in Deer Hunt Areas 31 and 94, as well as in Elk Hunt Area 126.
Deer Hunt Area 31 is located in the Sheridan Region, surrounded by several CWD-positive mule deer zones, including Areas 29, 19, 22, 34, and 169. Deer Hunt Area 94 is in the Lander Region and is also bordered by CWD-positive regions, namely Areas 92, 160, 97, 96, and 131. Elk Hunt Area 126 lies primarily in the Casper Region and shares borders with seven other CWD-affected elk zones, including Areas 3, 7, 122, 129, 113, 123, and 117.
The Wyoming Game and Fish Department notifies the public each time CWD is found in a new hunt area. This notification is part of the ongoing effort to monitor the disease, which is fatal to deer, elk, and moose. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advise hunters to avoid consuming any animal that appears ill or tests positive for CWD.
As part of this ongoing surveillance, the department tested over 5,000 lymph node samples from deer and elk in 2023, primarily collected through hunter submissions. The results will aid in understanding CWD’s spread and inform future wildlife management strategies. Hunters can view a current map of CWD-endemic areas on the Wyoming Game and Fish Department’s website, along with more information on CWD testing, disease transmission, and regulations on carcass transportation and disposal.
