SPOKANE, Wash. – As the fall hunting season draws near, wildlife agencies around the northwest are urging hunters to remember to follow each state’s rules about what to do with harvested wildlife in order to prevent the spread of chronic wasting disease.
Chronic wasting disease is a deadly neurological disease in animals like deer and elk that spreads through feces, saliva, urine and contaminated environments, according to the Chronic Wasting Disease Alliance.
There is no known cure.
The disease has not been shown to be infectious to humans, but it has a negative effect on animal populations. The disease has been found in Idaho and Washington, but not yet in Oregon.
Washington, Idaho and Oregon wildlife agencies are asking hunters to review rules set in place to reduce the spread of chronic wasting disease.
“These rules are in effect to help manage the spread of chronic wasting disease (CWD),” said Hunter Westacott, WDFW’s CWD Surveillance Program Coordinator. “Many states and countries — not just those with confirmed CWD cases — have these rules.”
“While natural animal movement is always a concern for disease spread, human movement is just as concerning, if not more, because of how far and often people travel,” said Ashley Reeder, ODFW’s CWD Coordinator. “By following each state’s rules, we can reduce the risk of infectious carcass parts moving and spreading CWD.”
The rules focus on handling carcasses of animals and getting them properly checked for chronic wasting disease.
“The ultimate goal is to slow, or prevent, the spread of CWD,” Idaho Fish and Game’s Public Information Supervisor Roger Phillips said. “Managing the movement of carcasses can help, so hunters should take it seriously by knowing and abiding by each state’s transport rules.”
To find the most up to date rules and regulations, go to websites for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife or the Idaho Department of Fish and Game.
