JACKSON - The Wyoming Game and Fish Department (Game and Fish) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) announce that chronic wasting disease has been detected  in Wyoming Elk Hunt Area 77 on the National Elk Refuge, which is managed by FWS. 

National Elk Refuge biological staff humanely euthanized and sampled an adult cow elk suspected of having CWD. Tests conducted at the Game and Fish Wildlife Health Laboratory confirmed a positive case. All CWD samples, including those collected on the refuge, are sent to the Game and Fish health lab for processing.

This is the first documented case of CWD in the hunt area and the first confirmed case of an elk with CWD on the refuge.  

Moving forward, National Elk Refuge staff will increase monitoring and surveillance of elk and bison herds for CWD, re-evaluate some existing programs and implement additional bio-security protocols to keep people and wildlife safe. Any changes will be shared with the public. The National Elk Refuge Chronic Wasting Disease Response Strategy contains the details for next steps.

CWD is a fatal neurological disease that affects deer, elk, and moose. Game and Fish partners with FWS to manage wildlife on federal lands and both will continue monitoring  CWD over time to further understand the potential impacts of the disease and evaluate future management actions.

For more information on CWD testing, transmission, carcass transportation, and disposal regulations, visit the Game and Fish CWD webpage. 

Visit  the refuge website for more information on elk and bison management and CWD at the refuge. 

– WGFD –