CHEYENNE — The Wyoming Game and Fish Department has confirmed the presence of  chronic wasting disease for the first time in Elk Hunt Area 2 in the Sheridan Region.

The Game and Fish’s Wildlife Health Lab confirmed the presence of CWD in a bull elk that was euthanized due to suspected disease. Elk Hunt Area 2 is surrounded by CWD-positive Elk Hunt Area 129, which had its first confirmed case of CWD in 2021.

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 samples for free CWD testing, especially 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.

-WGFD-