Why It Matters: Chronic Wasting Disease is a transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE) that impacts members of the cervid family including deer, elk, caribou, and moose. This highly transmissible neurological disease is always fatal to infected animals, complicating wildlife management. While there is currently no evidence of CWD passing from deer to humans the CDC does not recommend consuming meat from known CWD-positive animals.
Highlights:
- On August 1, 2024, WDFW announced its first detection of CWD since regular testing efforts began. The thin deer had been found deceased in Fariwood, WA which prompted testing.
- Washington State is now the 35th state with positive detections of Chronic Wasting Disease.
- The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) is working closely with WDFW as they enact of the initial emergency phase of their CWD management plan.
Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is a highly contagious transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE) which impacts members of the cervid family (deer, elk, caribou, and moose) similar to mad cow disease (bovine spongiform encephalopathy) in members of the bovine family. State fish and wildlife agencies across the nation have been working to prevent the spread of CWD as it can have an impact on the size and health of herds, complicating wildlife management.
On August 1, 2024, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) announced that they had detected their first confirmed case of chronic wasting disease (CWD) in a whitetail doe that was found dead north of Spokane WA. Prior to this detection, WDFW had taken steps to mitigate the spread of CWD including; expansive testing in Eastern WA, restrictions on transportation of cervids harvested outside of the state, and the creation of a CWD management plan.
This new positive detection places WDFW into chapter five of their CWD management plan. During this initial emergency response, WDFW will attempt to contain CWD in the immediate detection area. While no announcements have been made at this time, per the plan the next steps could include:
- Reducing population density in the immediate area
- Removing attractants (baiting and/or feeding) that artificially congregate wildlife
- Increased testing
- In-state transportation restrictions similar to existing restriction on transportation of cervids harvested out-of-state
- Additional budget requests to fund increased testing and mitigation efforts
- Proper disposal of all CWD-positive meat
The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation has been working with WDFW representatives as they begin the initial emergency response and move towards long-term management. We will continue to update our partners and the sporting community as more information becomes available.
