Chronic Wasting Disease Confirmed in New Wyoming Hunt Area
The Wyoming Game and Fish Department has confirmed the presence of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in Elk Hunt Area 23, located primarily within the Casper region, Sheridan Media reports.
The confirmation came through hunter-harvested surveillance, which revealed that a cow elk in the area tested positive for the disease.
Elk Hunt Area 23 is now bordered by three other CWD-positive elk zones: Areas 48, 16, and 19. The department routinely informs hunters when CWD is detected in a new area to ensure they are aware of potential risks. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises hunters to avoid consuming any animal that appears ill or tests positive for CWD.
CWD is a fatal neurological disease affecting deer, elk, and moose, and remains 100% fatal for any infected animal. The Wyoming Game and Fish Department has been actively monitoring CWD by testing lymph node samples, with more than 5,000 samples from deer and elk collected in 2023 alone, primarily through hunter submissions. The department continues to assess the disease’s impacts and explore management strategies for deer and elk populations.
To help track and manage CWD, the Game and Fish Department has made available a map of areas where the disease is endemic. The department also provides information on CWD testing, transmission, and regulations concerning the transportation and disposal of animal carcasses on its website.
