WASHINGTON – Two diseases are affecting game animals in Eastern Washington right at the start of hunting season. Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) and Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD), also known as blue tongue, are causing concern among hunters and wildlife officials.
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is urging residents to help manage the spread of these diseases. Feeding of deer, elk and moose has been banned in parts of Eastern Washington, including Spokane County.
Hunters who harvest or salvage these game animals in the area are required to present samples from the animal’s head and neck for testing. For those outside the mandatory testing region, submitting samples is also suggested. Reports of sick deer or cases suspected to be caused by blue tongue can be submitted on the department’s website.
Greg Weaver from Crown Foods in Spokane, a meat processing business, explained how these diseases are impacting their operations. Hunters can drop off game to be processed at Crown Foods, where the meat is butchered and packed.
“It’s kind of a gamble. We’ve had years past where we’ve had the cooler completely stacked with deer. That could happen. Probably won’t,” Weaver said.
Due to new laws aimed at stopping the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease, Crown Foods cannot return meat to hunters without proof of CWD test results. This process can take four to six weeks, requiring Crown Foods to store the meat until the results are available.
The impact of these diseases is significant, affecting both the hunting community and businesses like Crown Foods. As hunting season progresses, the community is encouraged to stay informed and take necessary precautions.
For more information on how to report sick deer or to learn more about testing requirements, visit the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s website.
