The Wyoming Game and Fish Department confirmed chronic wasting disease (CWD) in a buck mule deer that was found dead southeast of Lander. CWD is a fatal neurological disease of deer, elk and moose. The deer was found in deer hunt area 92, which is bordered by endemic deer areas 171 to the north and 160 to the east.

The  mule deer was reported to Game and Fish on February 15, 2016 near Highway 28, 10 miles southeast of Lander. Game and Fish collected the mule deer to determine cause of death; samples collected tested positive for CWD.

Consistent with the Centers for Disease Control, Game and Fish does not recommend people eat deer, elk or moose that test positive for CWD.

Game and Fish personnel continue to watch and sample for CWD from deer, elk and moose that appear sick . If you see a deer, elk or moose that appears to be sick or not acting in a normal manner, please contact your local game warden, wildlife biologist or Game and Fish office immediately. Game and Fish personnel collect and analyze more than 1,600 CWD samples annually throughout the state.

Please visit the Game and Fish website for more information on chronic wasting disease transmission and regulations on transportation and disposal of carcasses.