Chronic wasting disease has made an unsettling debut in Wyoming’s elk feedgrounds. This week, wildlife managers confirmed the presence of the disease-carrying prions at Scab Creek Feedground, near Pinedale. The discovery marks the first recorded case in this area, raising alarms about the future of local elk herds. Though previously contained, chronic wasting disease is beginning to spread in Northwest Wyoming, casting doubt on traditional feeding practices. As officials deliberate their response, the health of Wyoming’s iconic elk remains uncertain.
Why does this matter in North Dakota? ND Game & Fish biologists have repeatedly warned that CWD spreads more quickly in environments where animals are gathered together. It’s a primary reason they’ve advocated for their regulatory framework on deer feeding in North Dakota. We should probably count this story out of Wyoming as evidence they may know what they’re talking about.
For the full story on Wyoming’s new uncertainty, get it from WyoFile linked below.
