CHEYENNE — The Wyoming Game and Fish Department has confirmed the presence of chronic wasting disease for the first time in Elk Hunt Area 116 in the Casper Region.
Game and Fish confirmed the presence of CWD in an adult found in the hunt area in the northeast corner of the state. Elk Hunt Area 116 is bordered by CWD-positive areas 117 (detected in 2008) and 129 (detected in 2020). The hunt area is within the Black Hills Elk Herd, which spans elk areas 116, 117 and 1 (CWD detected in 2020).
To ensure the public is informed, Game and Fish announces when CWD is found in a new hunt area.
CWD is 100% fatal to infected deer, elk and moose. Continued monitoring of CWD over time is important to help Game and Fish understand the potential impacts of the disease, as well as evaluate future management actions. Hunters can assist in data collection by submitting free samples for CWD testing when hunting in priority or mandatory CWD testing areas. More information on providing test samples can be found on the Game and Fish website.
A map of CWD endemic areas, along with more information, is available on the Game and Fish’s CWD webpage. The public is asked to contact the nearest Game and Fish office if an animal appears sick or injured.
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