PINEDALE – The Wyoming Game and Fish Department has detected chronic wasting disease in an adult cow elk from Elk Hunt Area 93 at the Black Butte Feedground. Game and Fish personnel investigated, collected samples and removed the carcass after discovering the elk.
Elk Hunt Area 93 is located in the Pinedale Region and is bordered by two CWD-positive elk areas: 87 and 92. This is the first documented case of CWD in the hunt area and the first confirmed case of an elk with CWD on this feedground.
Game and Fish operates 21 feedgrounds in northwest Wyoming, where supplemental winter feeding has occurred for over a century. The discovery of CWD on feedgrounds in 2025 has been anticipated as the disease has continued to spread across the state.
CWD is a fatal neurological disease that affects deer, elk, and moose. Continued monitoring of CWD over time is important to help Game and Fish understand the potential impacts of the disease and evaluate future management actions. Game and Fish personnel will continue to monitor feedgrounds for elk displaying signs of CWD.
Game and Fish is actively working on Feedground Management Action Plans, a public process exploring short- and long-term strategies to reduce elk dependence on feedgrounds and minimize disease transmission risks. These plans will align with the guidelines established by stakeholders during the development of the Wyoming Feedground Management Plan. As FMAPs are finalized, they will be shared with the public for input and review.
For more information on CWD testing, transmission, carcass transportation and disposal regulations, visit the CWD webpage. To stay updated on feedground management efforts, visit the feedground webpage.
– WGFD –