Friday, May 01, 2026

Oklahoma House Bill 3270 FAILED, Great News for Hunters and Wildlife

 Oklahoma House Bill 3270 FAILED, Great News for Hunters and Wildlife

Oklahoma House Bill 3270 OK State Legislature page for HB3270
Completed Legislative Action Sponsorship: Moderate Partisan Bill (Republican 8-1) Status: Failed on April 20 2026 - 100% progression Action: 2026-04-20 - Failed in Committee - Agriculture and Wildlife Text: Latest bill text (Engrossed) [PDF]
Summary Farmed cervidae; Farmed Cervidae Act; exempting certain actions from violating act; deer; genetic resistance; release into native populations; permits; changing department that issues to Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry; emergency.
Great news for the great state of Oklahoma, Hunters, and Wildlife!
From: TERRY SINGELTARY <flounder9@verizon.net> 
Sent: Monday, April 20, 2026 8:57:41 AM 
To: Rick Holder - District 7 <rick.holder7@odwc.ok.gov> Cc: Jess Kane <jess.kane1@ok.gov>; Mark Mabrey - District 2 <Mark.Mabrey2@ok.gov>; Timothy Diehl <Timothy.Diehl3@ok.gov>; Eric Chapman <Eric.Chapman4@ok.gov>; James Barwick - District 5 <james.barwick5@ok.gov>; John Zelbst - District 6 <john.zelbst6@ok.gov>; Chad Dillingham - District 8 <chad.dillingham8@ok.gov> 
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Oklahoma Chronic Wasting Disease CWD TSE Prion and Releasing Penned Cervid Into the Wild Without CWD Testing, What Could Go Wrong? 
Oklahoma Chronic Wasting Disease CWD TSE Prion and Releasing Penned Cervid Into the Wild Without CWD Testing, What Could Go Wrong?
Greeting Honorable Oklahoma Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commissioners et al. My name is Terry Singeltary Sr., and i have followed the sad, sad, saga of CWD, TSE, prion, every day, for almost 3 decades, and these bills being pushed by the captive cervid industry to release captive cervid after genetically modifying them, hoping they might be CWD resistant, and knowingly releasing them _without_ any testing to see if they had CWD, and then seeing the legislation pass such a horribly dangerous experiment on the wild cervid herds, might just be the most stupid legislative blunder with the TSEs i have seen in my almost 3 decades of investigation of the mad cow blunder, since losing my Mom to confirmed hvCJD. i tried telling Texas officials what was coming starting in 1998. no one listened, and you see what kind if shape Texas is in now. i wish to ask that you all fully read and understand what i have put together here. don’t fall to the very industry that is responsible for helping spread cwd to hell and back, by trucking and releasing cwd positive deer, and now we have legislators legislating the legal release of deer from this very same industry that gas been flouting the very cwd rules and regulations. sheer madness imho…with kindest regards, sincerely, terry
Chronic Wasting Disease CWD TSE PrP, Cervid, Genetic Manipulation, Unforeseen Circumstances
ENGROSSED HOUSE BILL NO. 3270 By: Archer, Humphrey, Kannady, Lowe, Sterling, Schreiber, Townley, and Cantrell of the House and Murdock of the Senate
An Act relating to farmed cervidae; amending 2 O.S. 2021, Sections 6-507, as amended by Section 1, Chapter 47, O.S.L. 2023 (2 O.S. Supp. 2025, Section 6-507) and Section 1, Chapter 271, O.S.L. 2024 (2 O.S. Supp. 2025, Section 6-520), which relate to the Oklahoma Farmed Cervidae Act; exempting certain actions from violating act; allowing bred deer with certain genetic resistance to be released into native cervidae populations; changing department that issues permit from the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation to the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry; and declaring an emergency...
snip…see my full submission;
SATURDAY, APRIL 11, 2026
Chronic Wasting Disease CWD TSE PrP, Cervid, Genetic Manipulation, Unforeseen Circumstances
MONDAY, APRIL 20, 2026
Oklahoma Chronic Wasting Disease CWD TSE Prion and Releasing Penned Cervid Into the Wild Without CWD Testing, What Could Go Wrong?
FRIDAY, MAY 30, 2025
Oklahoma Chronic Wasting Disease CWD TSE 2025 Update
NC1209: North American interdisciplinary chronic wasting disease research consortium
(Multistate Research Project) Status: Active Duration: 10/01/2025 to 09/30/2030
Administrative Advisor(s): Dana Infante NIFA Reps: Timothy Sullivan Michelle Colby
https://nimss.org/projects/view/mrp/outline/19202
USA Report, Scrapie, CWD, BSE, TSE, Cattle, Sheep, Pigs, Cervid, Humans, Zoonotic, 2026
April 2026
https://fdabse589.blogspot.com/2026/04/usa-report-scrapie-cwd-bse-tse-cattle.html
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/403956772_USA_Report_Scrapie_CWD_BSE_TSE_Cattle_Sheep_Pigs_Cervid_Humans_Zoonotic_2026
TUESDAY, APRIL 07, 2026
APHIS USDA Captive CWD Herds Update by State March 2026
https://chronic-wasting-disease.blogspot.com/2026/04/aphis-usda-captive-cwd-herds-update-by.html
TSS

posted by Terry S. Singeltary Sr. at 4:31 PM 0 Comments

Tuesday, April 28, 2026

Wyoming CWD had been detected in 35 of 37 (95%) of mule deer herds and detected in 24 of 34 (71%) designated elk herd units

 Wyoming Game and Fish Department 2025 Chronic Wasting Disease Surveillance Report


Overview

Since its initial detection in Wyoming (1985) chronic wasting disease (CWD), a fatal prion disease of cervids, continues to spread across the state (Figure 1). The Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) CWD surveillance program focuses on two to three herd units from the eight WGFD regions each year. Efforts are concentrated on hunter-harvested adult male deer and adult elk (both sexes), with a sample target of 200 (collected within 1-3 consecutive years) in most deer and elk herd units. In non-endemic areas, where CWD has not been detected, opportunistic surveillance continues and utilizes hunter-harvest, road-kill, and animals showing signs of the disease or found dead with no apparent cause. This design allows for adequate sample sizes without exceeding the WGFD’s Wildlife Health Laboratory (WHL) testing capacity. Figure 1. 2025 Statewide CWD distribution: All species (based on hunt area and National Park boundaries).

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Surveillance and CWD Prevalence

Wyoming’s CWD surveillance strategy was revamped in 2019 to provide a more statistically accurate disease prevalence. This updated strategy required at least 200 hunter harvested samples, from each herd (mule deer and elk), within a 5-year period, focusing on adult male mule deer and adult elk from both sexes. While this approach has allowed for disease data to be collected from a larger sample of species and areas, statistically significant sample sizes are still lacking in many herds. Disease prevalence estimates may be biased due to agency objectives, hunter success, hunter interest, and ease of access to sample collection.

2025 CWD Surveillance

Deer, elk, and moose samples were collected from across the state, through WGFD operations (check stations, field personnel and regional offices), with additional opportunistic samples collected with help from outside partners (meat processors, taxidermists, hunters and federal agencies). Retropharyngeal lymph nodes were predominantly collected due to their ease of extraction and suitability as a diagnostic tissue. Teeth were collected whenever possible to evaluate age structure, and age specific CWD prevalence within herd units.

The WHL is accredited for CWD diagnostics and utilizes enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays as the primary diagnostic tool. Immunohistochemistry is utilized as a confirmatory test when necessary. Individual CWD test results are available on the agency’s website within three weeks of sample submission.

Priority Deer and Elk Herd Units for 2025

The Sublette and Wyoming Range mule deer herds, along with the Afton, Fall Creek, and Jackson elk herds are prioritized annually. For mule deer, the 2025 CWD surveillance focused on fourteen herd units which included mandatory sampling in six hunt areas (Figure 2). For elk, the 2025 CWD surveillance focused on six herd units (Figure 3).

2

Figure 2. CWD sampling priority and mandatory mule deer herd units and hunt areas (2025).

Figure 3. CWD sampling priority elk herd units and hunt areas (2025).

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2025 Results and Discussion

The WHL analyzed a total of 5,370 deer, elk, and moose, with CWD being detected in 842 of those samples. This total includes samples from all surveillance categories (hunter-harvest, road- killed, and targeted (animals exhibiting signs of CWD or found dead with no discernible cause), and all sexes and age classes (Table 1). Table 2 outlines samples received from hunter-harvest adult (>2 years old) male deer, adult elk and adult moose (both sexes). Overall submissions increased from 2024 (5,276).

Table 1. CWD surveillance totals by species and category (all ages and sexes; 2025).

Surveillance Category Mule Deer White-tailed Deer Elk Moose Total Total CWD Detected Total CWD Detected Total CWD Detected Total CWD Detected Total CWD Detected

Hunter-harvest 2,144 419 799 187 1,595 34 42 0 4,580 640

Targeted 248 118 60 27 121 31 16 0 445 176

Road-kill 228 20 30 5 66 1 21 0 345 26

Total 2,620 557 889 219 1,782 66 79 0 5,370 842

Table 2. CWD surveillance of hunter-harvest adults according to species and sex (2025).

Adult Male Mule Deer Adult Male White- Tailed Deer Adult Elk Adult Moose Total

Total CWD Pos Total CWD Pos Total CWD Pos Total CWD Pos Total CWD Pos

1725 372 368 118 1350 32 42 0 3,485 522

Surveillance efforts identified CWD in three new mule deer hunt areas (106, 150, 153; Figure 4), all in western Wyoming. Six new elk hunt areas (2, 61, 62, 87, 93, 116; Figure 5) had CWD identified; four of those new detections were in the western part of the state.

4

Figure 4. CWD endemic mule deer hunt areas and 2025 detections

Figure 5. CWD endemic elk hunt areas and 2025 detections.

5

As of December 31, 2025, CWD had been detected in 35 of 37 (95%) of mule deer herds and 111 of 127 (87 %) of mule deer hunt areas. For elk, CWD had been detected in 24 of 34 (71%) designated elk herd units and 50 of 105 (48%) of elk hunt areas.

In 2025, statewide CWD prevalence in hunter-harvested, adult, male, mule deer was 21.6% (95% CI: 16.9% - 22.6%), representing an increase from 2024 (19.4%; 95% CI: 15.5% - 20.4%).

Statewide prevalence in hunter-harvested, adult, male white-tailed deer was 32.1% (95% CI: 22.6% - 34.2%) in 2025, an increase from 2024 (29.2%; 95% CI: 21.1% - 31.1%). Finally, in 2025, statewide CWD prevalence in hunter-harvested adult elk was 2.4% (95% CI: 2.0% - 2.8%), a slight increase from 2024 (2.3%; 95% CI: 2.0% - 2.8%).

To determine CWD prevalence in individual herds, five-year averages were calculated (Figures 6 and 7). Of those herds, with adequate sample sizes, the ‘Project herd’ continues to have the highest CWD prevalence in the state at 61.9% (95% CI: 31.6% - 68.9%), followed by ‘Goshen Rim’ at 36.1% (95% CI: 21.0% - 43.4%) and ‘Southwest Bighorn’ at 30.5% (95% CI: 18.6% - 36.7%). The ‘Iron Mountain’ elk herd had the highest CWD prevalence, of those elk herds with an adequate sample size, at 9.8% (95% CI: 6.9% - 12.4%), followed by ‘North Bighorn’ at 8.7% (95% CI: 5.6% - 12.0%) and ‘South Bighorn’ at 5.0% (95% CI: 2.6% - 8.4%).

6

Figure 6. Chronic wasting disease prevalence in hunter harvested adult male mule deer by herd unit (2021-2025; data insufficient if less than 100 samples in consecutive 3-year period). Figure 7. Chronic wasting disease prevalence in hunter harvested adult elk by herd unit (2021–2025; data insufficient if less than 100 samples in a consecutive 3- year period).

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Understanding where sampling efforts are concentrated may provide a deeper understanding into disease distribution, prevalence, and can highlight sampling gaps (Figures 8 and 10).

Figure 8. Chronic wasting disease sampling density of mule deer: all age, sex and surveillance type (2021-2025).

Figure 9. Chronic wasting disease detection density of mule deer: all age, sex and surveillance type (2021-2025).

8

CWD detections are not usually ubiquitous across a herd. While disease prevalence can provide wildlife managers with a general perspective on the amount of disease within a population, distinct areas of higher disease occurrence may provide better direction for targeted management action (Figures 9 and 11).

Figure 10. Chronic wasting disease sampling density of Elk: all age, sex and surveillance type (2021-2025).

Figure 11. Chronic wasting disease detection density of Elk: all age, sex and surveillance type (2021-2025).

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Sampling Effort in Non-Endemic Hunt Areas

As of the end of 2025, 13% of Wyoming’s deer hunt areas and 52% of elk hunt areas have not had CWD detected. Opportunistic surveillance for the disease continues in the non-endemic areas by utilizing hunter-harvested, road-killed and targeted animals (Table 3). Adequate sample sizes in these hunt areas are critical for early detection of the disease as management strategies can change with the status of CWD prevalence.

Table 3. Chronic wasting disease surveillance in non-endemic hunt areas of adult animals by species and surveillance type (2025).

Species Hunter-harvest Road Killed Targeted Total

Adult male deer* 59 5 1 65

Adult elk 453 47 93 593

Adult moose 42 14 11 67

Total 554 66 105 725

*Includes both mule deer and white-tailed

CWD in Western Wyoming and the Elk Feedgrounds

In 2025, CWD was detected in two new deer hunt areas, and four new elk hunt areas in western Wyoming. Between 2021 and 2025, CWD was detected in twenty-one deer and fifteen elk that were collected from hunt areas that contain at least one elk feedground. Of those detections in elk, nine were collected within the boundaries of a feedground. Those feedgrounds included Dell Creek (6), Black Butte (1), Horse Creek (1), and Scab Creek (1). Elk herds utilizing feedgrounds are annually prioritized for hunter harvested CWD sampling and the department continues to actively monitor and sample any mortalities on/around the feedgrounds to increase surveillance numbers. The department is currently developing Feedground Management Action Plans that will include a section on disease mitigation and management.

CWD Management

With CWD prevalence increasing in the Project mule deer herd (>50% in buck mule deer), the hunt area 157 type 1 deer season was replaced with a general season in 2025. Licenses for Type 3, 6 and 8 were also increased. These changes were made to decrease mule deer densities and limit the spread of disease to adjacent deer herds. Five-year average CWD prevalence (2021- 2025) in the Project herd can be seen in Table 4. Sampling and detection density for 2021-2025 can be seen in Figures 12 and 13.

Table 4. 5-year (2021-2025) Average CWD prevalence in the Project Mule Deer Herd by Species, Sex and Age (Hunter-Harvested).

Species-Sex-Age CWD Prevalence 95% Confidence Interval Range Sample Size

Mule Deer – Male - Adult Mule Deer – Female - Adult White-tailed Deer – Male - Adult White-tailed Deer – Female - Adult 31.6% - 68.9% 18.9% - 40.8% 21.1% - 38.2% 15.5% - 28.9% 189 161 382 326 10

Figure 12. Chronic wasting disease sampling density in the Project and adjacent herds: mule deer and white-tailed deer, all age, sex and surveillance types (2021-2025).

For general information on CWD in Wyoming, please visit: http://wgfd.wyo.gov/CWD

Figure 13. Chronic wasting disease detection density in the Project and adjacent herds: mule deer and white-tailed deer, all age, sex and surveillance types (2021-2025).

11

https://wgfd.wyo.gov/sites/default/files/2026-03/2025%20CWD%20Surveillance%20Report.pdf

The effectiveness of harvest for limiting wildlife disease: Insights from 20 years of chronic wasting disease in Wyoming

First published: 21 January 2025

https://doi.org/10.1002/eap.3089

https://esajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/eap.3089

https://www.usgs.gov/news/national-news-release/new-study-finds-deer-hunting-can-help-keep-chronic-wasting-disease-check

Since identifying its first cases of CWD in captive deer in the 70s and finding the first wild infected deer in 1985, Wyoming has seen the disease slowly spread throughout the state. CWD has now been documented in members of the deer family in most of Wyoming’s deer hunting areas, with 20% to 40% percent of mule deer affected in some herds. A 2017 study estimated a 21% annual population decline as a result of the fatal disease.

https://freerangeamerican.us/chronic-wasting-disease-wyoming/#:~:text=CWD%20has%20now%20been%20documented,result%20of%20the%20fatal%20disease.

How does CWD impact deer, elk, and moose populations?

Recent research in Wyoming has demonstrated declines in both mule and white-tailed deer populations in deer hunt area 65 due to CWD (see below for citations). These declines are in the core endemic area where prevalence is highest. In areas with lower prevalence, effects of CWD are poorly understood but are considered additive along with other factors that can negatively affect deer populations in Wyoming (i.e. habitat loss, predation, other diseases). The distribution and prevalence of CWD in Wyoming elk is less than that of deer. Currently there are no documented direct population impacts in Wyoming elk from CWD; however, research from Rocky Mountain National Park suggests that CWD could impact elk populations at higher prevalence (13%). While CWD has been found in free ranging moose, there have been few detections, and there is no evidence that CWD is currently having an impact on moose populations.

https://wgfd.wyo.gov/Wildlife-in-Wyoming/More-Wildlife/Wildlife-Disease/Chronic-Wasting-Disease

Wyoming Wildlife Health Lab tests more than 5,200 CWD samples in 2024, CWD was detected in 726 of those samples

Wildlife Health Lab tests more than 5,200 CWD samples in 2024

POSTED: MAY 19, 2025 | CHEYENNE REGION NEWS

NEWS LARAMIE — The Wyoming Game and Fish Department’s Wildlife Health Laboratory tested 5,276 samples from big game animals for chronic wasting disease in 2024. Testing was completed earlier this year and samples were submitted from throughout the state.

CWD was detected in 726 of those samples submitted.

Jessica Jennings, Game and Fish wildlife disease specialist, said samples were submitted from hunter-harvest, road-killed animals and animals found dead or that were euthanized. CWD is a chronic, fatal disease of the central nervous system in mule deer, white-tailed deer, elk and moose. It belongs to the group of rare diseases called transmissible spongiform encephalopathies. These disorders are caused by abnormally folded proteins called prions. Early in the disease animals don’t show any clinical signs. Later on, affected animals show progressive weight loss, reluctance to move, excessive salivation, droopy ears, increased drinking and urination, lethargy and eventually death.

The number of samples submitted and tested in 2024 increased slightly from previous years. In 2023, 5,100 samples were submitted, a decline compared to 2022, when 5,875 samples were submitted. The percentage of samples that tested positive in 2024 was 13.8%, which remained similar to 2023, when 13.9% of samples tested positive.

The proportion of positive samples in 2024 was slightly higher than in 2022, in which 12.3% of samples tested were positive. However, Jennings said comparing the number of positive tests each year can be misleading because Game and Fish’s CWD surveillance program focuses on different deer and elk herd units each year.

Additionally, the number of positives is proportional to the prevalence of CWD in the particular herd unit surveyed. “We can say that the prevalence of CWD is slowly increasing in many deer and elk herd units in the state,” Jennings said.

“In 2024, CWD was detected in three new deer hunt areas, three new elk hunt areas and for the first time on an elk feedground.” Jennings said the lab, which consists of four permanent employees and three contract employees, spent the majority of the hunting season conducting CWD testing with peak testing occurring in October and November. That doesn’t include surveillance preparation, data entry and writing reports once the testing season is over. The majority of the test samples this year were collected by Game and Fish field personnel at hunter check stations or through regional offices. “Chronic wasting disease is a major concern for Game and Fish and we thank hunters who contributed samples from their deer, elk and moose,” Jennings said. “These samples are instrumental in helping us better understand the prevalence and distribution of this disease in our state.” For more info on CWD, please visit the Game and Fish website.

https://wgfd.wyo.gov/wyoming-wildlife/wildlife-disease-and-health/chronic-wasting-disease

— WGFD —

Amanda Fry Public Information Officer amanda.fry@wyo.gov

https://wgfd.wyo.gov/news-events/wildlife-health-lab-tests-more-5200-cwd-samples-2024

February 14, 2025

CWD found in new Wyoming hunt area

PINEDALE — The Wyoming Game and Fish Department has confirmed the presence of chronic wasting disease in two adult female elk from Elk Hunt Area 87. The first elk was found dead in January, followed by the second in early February. Both elk were discovered at the Dell Creek feedground. Department personnel have investigated the sites, collected samples and removed the carcasses.

Elk Hunt Area 87 is located in the Pinedale Region. It is bordered by two CWD-positive elk hunt areas: 84 and 92. This marks the first recorded cases of CWD in Hunt Area 87 and is the first detection of the disease within the Upper Green River Elk Herd. This is the second confirmed instance of elk testing positive at a feedground, following a previous detection of CWD at the Scab Creek feedground in December.

”It is unfortunate and concerning to find CWD on an elk feedground;” said Wildlife Division Deputy Chief Justin Binfet. “However, it was not unexpected given this disease continues to spread throughout the West. In anticipation of the spread of CWD to elk feedgrounds, the department created its Elk Feedground Management Plan, which will guide wildlife managers to work to minimize and mitigate CWD risks and look for long-term solutions to disease transmission on feedgrounds.”

CWD is 100 percent fatal to infected deer, elk and moose. Continued monitoring of CWD over time is important to help Game and Fish understand the potential impacts of the disease, as well as evaluate future management actions. Department personnel will continue to closely monitor feedgrounds for elk showing signs of CWD.

Game and Fish personnel from the Jackson and Pinedale regions are currently developing the first Feedground Management Action Plans (FMAPs) for the Jackson and Pinedale herds. This process aims to identify both long and short-term strategies to reduce the elk's reliance on feedgrounds and mitigate the risks of disease transmission. After completing the initial FMAP process for the Pinedale Herd, the Region will determine which herd to prioritize next.

Please visit the Game and Fish website for more information on CWD testing, transmission and regulations on transportation and disposal of carcasses.

– WGFD –

https://wgfd.wyo.gov/news-events/cwd-found-new-wyoming-hunt-area-1

MONDAY, JUNE 05, 2023

Wyoming CWD Detected Positive in 826 Samples From 6701 Samples Taken For 2022

https://chronic-wasting-disease.blogspot.com/2023/06/wyoming-cwd-detected-positive-in-826.html

Wyoming CWD Detected Positive in 826 Samples From 6701 Samples Taken For 2022

Wildlife health lab tests more than 6,000 CWD samples in 2022

6/5/2023 5:12:17 PM

LARAMIE - The Wyoming Game and Fish Department’s Wildlife Health Laboratory tested 6,701 samples from big game animals for chronic wasting disease (CWD) in 2022. Testing was completed earlier this year and samples were submitted from throughout the state. CWD was not detected in 5,875 samples and 826 samples were positive. Some samples submitted were not testable.

Jessica Jennings-Gaines, Game and Fish wildlife disease specialist, said those numbers are based on submissions from hunters, road-killed animals and animals found dead or in poor condition.

CWD is a chronic, fatal disease of the central nervous system in mule deer, white-tailed deer, elk and moose. It belongs to the group of rare diseases called transmissible spongiform encephalopathies. These disorders are caused by abnormally folded proteins called prions. Early in the disease animals don’t show any clinical signs. Later on, affected animals show progressive weight loss, reluctance to move, excessive salivation, droopy ears, increased drinking and urination, lethargy and eventually death.

The number of tested samples and positive tests have remained steady for the past three years. In 2021, 6,884 samples were tested with 839 positives and in 2020, 6,496 samples were tested with 829 positives.

However, Jennings-Gaines noted that comparing the number of positive tests each year can be misleading because Game and Fish’s CWD surveillance program focuses on different deer and elk herd units each year. Additionally, the number of positives is proportional to the prevalence of CWD in the particular herd unit surveyed.

“We can say that the prevalence of CWD is slowly increasing in many deer and elk herd units in the state,” Jennings-Gaines said. “The western half of Wyoming has several deer hunt areas where CWD has not been detected, however the disease continues to spread west and was detected in two new deer and five new elk hunt areas last year.”

Jennings-Gaines said the lab, which consists of four employees and three contract employees, spent the majority of the 2022 hunting season conducting CWD testing with peak testing occurring between October and November. That doesn’t include surveillance preparation, data entry and writing reports once the testing season is over.

The majority of the test samples this year were collected by Game and Fish field personnel at hunter check stations or through regional offices.

“Chronic wasting disease is a major concern for Game and Fish and we thank hunters who contributed samples from their deer, elk and moose,” Jennings-Gaines said. “These samples are instrumental in helping us better understand the prevalence and distribution of this disease in our state.”

For more info on CWD, please visit the Game and Fish website.

(Breanna Ball, Public Information Officer - (breanna.ball1@wyo.gov))

- WGFD -

see CWD;

https://wgfd.wyo.gov/CWD

https://wgfd.wyo.gov/News/Wildlife-health-lab-tests-more-than-6,000-CWD-samp

see also;

https://wgfd.wyo.gov/Wildlife-in-Wyoming/More-Wildlife/Wildlife-Disease/CWD-in-Wyoming-Wildlife/CWD-Testing

THE last 3 years just seem high to me, from the sample surveys they have done. seems much more testing would be prudent to get a true picture of CWD in Wyoming, imo...terry

TUESDAY, APRIL 26, 2022

Wyoming Game and Fish lab tests nearly 7,000 CWD samples in 2021 and 831 samples were positive Wyoming Game and Fish lab tests nearly 7,000 CWD samples in 2021 and 831 samples were positive

Game and Fish lab tests nearly 7,000 CWD samples in 2021

CWD submission raffle winners announced

4/25/2022 7:10:00 PM

CHEYENNE - The Wyoming Game and Fish Department’s Wildlife Health Laboratory tested 6,884 samples from big game animals for chronic wasting disease in 2021.

Testing was completed in early January, and samples were submitted from throughout the state. CWD was not detected in 6,045 samples and 831 samples were positive. Hank Edwards, Game and Fish Wildlife Health Laboratory supervisor, said those numbers are based on submissions from hunters, road-killed animals and animals found dead or in poor condition.

CWD is a chronic, fatal disease of the central nervous system in mule deer, white-tailed deer, elk and moose. It belongs to the group of rare diseases called transmissible spongiform encephalopathies. These disorders are caused by abnormally folded proteins called prions. Early in the disease animals don’t show any clinical signs. Later on, affected animals show progressive weight loss, reluctance to move, excessive salivation, droopy ears, increased drinking and urinating, lethargy and eventually death.

The number of tested samples and positive tests increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, 6,496 samples were tested with 829 positives compared to 5,067 samples tested and 568 positives in 2019. Edwards said comparing the number of positive tests each year can be misleading because the Game and Fish’s CWD surveillance program focuses on different deer and elk herd units each year, and the number of positive cases is proportional to the prevalence of CWD in the particular herd unit surveyed that year.

“That said, we can say the prevalence of CWD is slowly increasing in most deer and elk herd units in the state,” said Edwards, who added CWD was detected in four new deer hunt areas and five new elk hunt areas in 2021.

Edwards said the lab, which consists of five employees and two part-time workers, spent 1,788 hours — the equivalent of 74.5 days — conducting CWD testing. That doesn’t include surveillance preparation, data entry and writing reports once the testing season is over. Additionally, the lab continues to conduct brucellosis surveillance in hunter-killed elk, respiratory disease in bighorn sheep, as well as many other diseases of wildlife across the state.

The majority of the samples this year were collected by Game and Fish field personnel at hunter check stations or through regional offices. Edwards said the number of samples collected and submitted by hunters continues to increase each year.

“Chronic wasting disease is a major concern for Game and Fish and we sincerely thank all those who contributed samples from their deer, elk and moose,” Edward said. “These samples help us better understand the prevalence and distribution of this disease in our state.”

New for 2021, Game and Fish implemented mandatory sampling in deer Hunt Areas 96 and 97, as well as hosted a raffle for hunters who submitted CWD samples from targeted (Tier I) and non-targeted (Tier II) species and Hunt Areas. Both efforts increased interest in sampling and returns.

Winners from the 2021 hunting season are:

Tier I — Ryan Marti, Morgantown, West Virginia: Nosler 48 Special Ed. (28 Nosler) rifle with Leupold VX-5HD 3-15X44MM scope. — Shane Rogers, Ojai, California: Weatherby Vanguard High Country rifle (6.5 CMR) with Maven RS.1 2.5-15X44 FFP scope. — Philip Bunker, Gillette, Wyoming: Maven S.1S 25-50X80 spotting scope. — Christopher Emanuele, Waterford, Pennsylvania: First Lite Clothing Package (Catalyst softshell jacket, Obsidian merino pants, Kiln 250 aerowool hoody).

Tier II — Andrew Miller, Horseheads, New York: Weatherby Vanguard Weatherguard (.270 win). — Tanner Verplancke, Buffalo, Wyoming: Maven B.1 10X42 binoculars. — Peter Alexander, Wilson, Wyoming: KUIU Valo Camo Pro 3600 Full Kit backpack.

(Sara DiRienzo, Public Information Officer - (sara.dirienzo@wyo.gov))

- WGFD -

https://wgfd.wyo.gov/News/Game-and-Fish-lab-tests-nearly-7,000-CWD-samples-i

CWD found in new Wyoming deer hunt area

Game and Fish continues to notify public of new areas where CWD is found

2/7/2022 5:01:50 PM

CHEYENNE - The Wyoming Game and Fish Department has confirmed the presence of chronic wasting disease in Wyoming’s Deer Hunt Area 143. The disease was detected in a buck mule deer found dead in emaciated condition in late January.

Deer Hunt Area 143 is the Pinedale Region. The area is bordered by three CWD-positive areas, 144 and 138; both of which were new areas for CWD in 2021, and Deer Hunt Area 142 confirmed positive for CWD in 2020.

To ensure hunters are informed, Game and Fish announces when CWD is found in a new hunt area. The Centers for Disease Control recommends hunters do not consume any animal that is obviously ill or tests positive for CWD.

Continued monitoring of CWD over time is important to help Game and Fish understand the potential impacts of the disease as well as evaluate future management actions for deer and elk. A map of CWD endemic areas is available on the Game and Fish website. The disease is 100% fatal to deer, elk and moose that have been infected. In 2021, Game and Fish personnel tested 6,947 CWD lymph node samples from deer and elk— primarily submitted by hunters — and continue to evaluate new recommendations for trying to manage the disease.

Please visit the Game and Fish website for more information on chronic wasting disease testing, transmission and regulations on transportation and disposal of carcasses.

(Sara DiRienzo, Public Information Officer - (sara.dirienzo@wyo.gov))

- WGFD -

https://wgfd.wyo.gov/News/CWD-found-in-new-Wyoming-deer-hunt-area-(2)

https://wgfd.wyo.gov/Wildlife-in-Wyoming/More-Wildlife/Wildlife-Disease/CWD-in-Wyoming-Wildlife/CWD-Testing

https://wgfd.wyo.gov/Wildlife-in-Wyoming/More-Wildlife/Wildlife-Disease/CWD-in-Wyoming-Wildlife/CWD-News

https://wgfd.wyo.gov/search?searchtext=cwd&searchmode=anyword

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2022

Captive Cervids and their Contribution to CWD

https://chronic-wasting-disease.blogspot.com/2022/02/captive-cervids-and-their-contribution.html

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2022

WYOMING CWD TSE PRION FOUND IN ANOTHER NEW HUNT AREA

https://chronic-wasting-disease.blogspot.com/2022/02/wyoming-cwd-tse-prion-found-in-another.html

***> 2020 Results and Discussion A total of 6,496 deer, elk, and moose samples were analyzed for CWD by the WHL, with 829 being CWD positive

Wyoming Game and Fish Department 2020 Chronic Wasting Disease Surveillance Report

May 2021

Overview

Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is a fatal disease of the central nervous system of cervids caused by abnormally folded infectious proteins called prions. This disease was first identified in Wyoming in 1985 in a free-ranging deer from the southeastern corner of the state, and has since slowly spread north and west; now covering the majority of the state (Fig. 1). In consideration of the wide distribution of CWD across Wyoming, the surveillance program was shifted from detection based, to a monitoring based program in those hunt areas where CWD has been detected. Continued monitoring of this disease over time is necessary to understand the potential population impacts as well as evaluate future management actions. To achieve adequate sample sizes, CWD surveillance is focused in only two to three herd units within each Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) region each year, allowing for coverage of the entire state every four to five years. This approach focuses on adequate sample sizes to monitor the disease without exceeding the WGFD’s Wildlife Health Laboratory (WHL) testing capacity. Monitoring efforts are concentrated on hunter-harvested adult male deer or adult elk (both sexes), with a sample target of 200 (collected within 1-3 years) in most deer and elk herd units. In areas where CWD has not been detected in deer, active surveillance continues and utilizes hunter-harvested, road-killed, and targeted animals (those showing signs of the disease).

In 2019, the CWD testing capacity of the WHL was increased from 8,000 to 15,000 samples per year by splitting the laboratory into two sections. From October 1st through December 31st, A processing laboratory within the WGFD Wildlife Forensics/Fish Health Laboratory is used for sample processing, data entry, and mapping. Sample analysis continues in the main laboratory housed within the Wyoming State Veterinary Laboratory complex.

2020 CWD Surveillance

Hunter harvested deer, elk, and moose samples were collected at points of concentration (i.e., meat processors, check stations, and regional offices). Samples were also collected from road-killed and targeted animals, and from any deer or elk taken with a WGFD issued lethal take permit. In addition, teeth were collected whenever possible to evaluate age structure, and age specific CWD prevalence within herd units. Predominantly retropharyngeal lymph nodes were sampled due to their ease of extraction and suitability as a diagnostic tissue. The WHL is an accredited laboratory for CWD diagnostics and utilized an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) as the primary diagnostic tool. Immunohistochemistry is also used through an outside accredited laboratory when necessary. Results were reported to hunters in less than three weeks of sample submission, and hunters could obtain results through the WGFD’s website. Hunters having deer or elk test positive

2

for CWD were individually notified by a letter or email within 48 hours of confirmatory test results.

2020 Results and Discussion

A total of 6,496 deer, elk, and moose samples were analyzed for CWD by the WHL, with 829 being CWD positive. This total includes samples from all surveillance categories (hunter-harvest, targeted, and road-killed) and from all age classes and CWD positive results (Table 1). Total samples received and testing outcomes are further broken down in Table 2, which outlines samples received from hunter-harvest adult (>2 years old) male deer, and adult elk and moose (both sexes). Data in Table 2 are used to determine prevalence estimates used throughout this report.

The 2020 surveillance effort identified four new CWD positive deer hunt areas (HA): HA 25 in the northern Bighorn Mountains, HA 96 southeast of Lander, HA 117 west of Meeteetse, and HA 142 west of Pinedale (Fig. 2). Chronic wasting disease was also documented for the first time in five elk HAs: 45 north of Worland, 67, near Dubois, 75 in Grand Teton National Park, 114 near Laramie, and 123 near Wright (Fig. 3).

snip...

Table 3. Total CWD samples tested from hunter harvested adult mule deer bucks and adult elk. Percent of total surveillance goal in parenthesis. CWD prevalence in priority mule deer and elk herd units is shown in the far right column. Please see Figures 5 & 6 for herd unit locations.

Herd Unit Samples Collected 2018- 2020 (percent of 200 goal) CWD Prevalence (2018- 2020)

Mule Deer

Cheyenne River 267 (134%) 12%

North Natrona 157 (79%) 6%

Rattlesnake 105(53%) 14%

Clark’s Fork 76 (38%) 8%

Greybull River* 90 (45%) 40%

Shoshone River 216 (108%) 31%

Southwest Bighorns 187 (94%) 18%

Uinta 113 (57%) 0%

Project 126 (63%) 63%

Sweetwater* 76 (38%) 2%

Goshen Rim* 105 (53%) 38%

Sheep Mountain* 90 (45%) 9%

North Bighorn* 94 (47%) 8%

Pumpkin Buttes* 125 (63%) 15%

Upper Powder River* 131 (66%) 18%

Elk

Cody 182 (91%) 2%

West Green River* 82 (41%) 0%

Afton** 118 (59%) 0%

Fall Creek** 87 (44%) 0%

Jackson** 466 (233%) 0.1%

Pinedale* 125 (63%) 0%

North Bighorn 206 (103%) 3%

*Herd units where focused surveillance will continue in 2021. **Annually sampled herd units

Monitoring CWD Prevalence

The WGFD monitors CWD prevalence in all deer and elk herds where sufficient surveillance data exists for meaningful evaluations. Although statistically significant data is absent for many herds, several do have useful data from the 2014-2016 timeframe to allow for an equivalent comparison of prevalence to 2018-2020.

Trends in CWD prevalence varied greatly between several herd units when comparing prevalence between these two relatively short timeframes (Fig. 4). The Goshen Rim, Paintrock, Southwest Bighorns and the Upper Powder River mule deer herd units saw substantial increases in prevalence, whereas the Baggs, Bates Hole, and Upper Shoshone observed only moderate increases. Prevalence remained steady in the Laramie Mountains herd, but declined slightly in the North Bighorn, Sheep Mountain, and the South Wind River mule deer herds. Unfortunately, sample sizes were limited in 2014-17 for the Goshen Rim, Sheep Mountain, Southwest Bighorns, and the Upper Powder River herds, and trends should be interpreted with caution.

The overall five-year CWD prevalence estimates of Wyoming’s mule deer herds are in Fig. 4. It is important to note that hunter harvest of mule deer is primarily male and therefore prevalence estimates do not account for prevalence in females. Chronic wasting disease prevalence in female mule deer is incomplete in many herd units, but has been shown to be lower than that of males in several herd units where females are harvested, as well as in road-killed surveillance data.

The prevalence of CWD in white-tailed deer and mule deer within the same hunt area varies considerably. Prevalence in white-tailed deer can meet or exceed the prevalence in mule deer in some areas, whereas prevalence may remain much lower in white-tailed deer in other areas. Although this report is centered on prevalence in mule deer bucks and adult elk, the WGFD continues to monitor prevalence in all white-tailed deer populations for this disease.

Historic Endemic Area Elk

Trends in CWD prevalence in elk herds within the historic endemic area were also examined. Prevalence remained steady in the Laramie Peak/Muddy Mountain elk herd at 6% (2014-2016 n=300, 2018-2020 (n=419). The Iron Mountain elk herd doubled from 7% in 2014-16 (n=105) to 14% in 2018-20 (n=249). The overall five-year CWD prevalence in Wyoming elk herds shown in Fig. 6.

snip...

CWD in Northwestern Wyoming

Chronic wasting disease was found in two new deer HAs as well as two elk hunt areas in northwestern Wyoming. Deer HA 117 near Meeteetse was one of the last deer hunt areas in the Bighorn Basin to become endemic for this disease, while deer HA 142west of Pinedale, is one of just a few new HAs in the southern Bridger -Teton National Forest. Chronic wasting disease was also found for the first time in elk HA 67 near Dubois as well as elk HA 75 in Grand Teton National Park. Over the past five years, CWD has been detected in six deer and two elk that were collected in and around the elk feedground herd units. This raises considerable concern that this disease is becoming firmly established in northwestern Wyoming (Fig. 2 & 3), and how it may affect deer and elk populations in the future.

Sampling Effort in Non-Endemic Hunt Areas

Chronic wasting disease has not been detected in 30 deer hunt areas in Wyoming. Annual surveillance for the disease continues in these areas, utilizing hunter-harvested, road-killed and targeted animals. Surveillance totals animals collected from CWD non-endemic hunt areas are reported (Table 4). It is a WGFD priority to notify sportspersons when CWD is detected in a new area through press releases, emails, and social media.

Table 4. Non-Hunter harvested chronic wasting disease surveillance in non-endemic areas by species, age, and sex

Continuation of Chronic Wasting Disease Surveillance and Monitoring

Surveillance efforts will continue for 2021 priority herds for the next one or two years until the three-year sampling goals are achieved. Four new mule deer herd units (Bates Hole, Black Hills, Paintrock, and Sublette), one white-tailed deer herd unit (Black Hills), and three elk herd units (Medicine Lodge, Sierra Madre, and Wiggins Fork) will be prioritized.

For complete information on CWD in Wyoming please go to:

https://wgfd.wyo.gov/Wildlife-inWyoming/More-Wildlife/Wildlife-Disease/Chronic-Wasting-Disease

https://wgfd.wyo.gov/WGFD/media/content/PDF/Vet%20Services/2020-CWD-Surveillance-Report-final.pdf

Wyoming CWD 2021

https://wgfd.wyo.gov/WGFD/media/content/PDF/Wildlife/2021-CWD-Surveillance-and-Monitoring-brochure.pdf

Wyoming CWD TSE Prion has been confirmed in three new elk hunt areas

CWD found in new Wyoming elk hunt areas

Game and Fish continues to notify hunters of new areas where CWD is found

11/1/2021 5:17:51 PM

CHEYENNE - The Wyoming Game and Fish Department has confirmed the presence of chronic wasting disease in three new elk hunt areas in Wyoming. The disease was confirmed from lymph node samples from three hunter-harvested bull elk.

In the Pinedale Region, CWD was confirmed in Elk Hunt Area 98. This hunt area overlays Deer Hunt Area 138 where CWD was confirmed in January.

Additionally, in the Sheridan Region, Game and Fish has identified two new CWD-positive elk areas. CWD was also confirmed in Elk Hunt Area 36 and 129. Elk Hunt Area 36 is surrounded on three sides by Elk Hunt Areas 37, 46, and 35 which have been CWD-positive since 2019, 2020 and 2009, respectively. Elk Hunt Area 129 overlays nine CWD positive Deer Hunt Areas (8, 17, 18, 19, 21, 22, 23, 26, 29) and one CWD negative Deer Hunt Area (31).

To ensure hunters are informed, Game and Fish announces when CWD is found in a new hunt area. The Centers for Disease Control recommends hunters do not consume any animal that is obviously ill or tests positive for CWD.

Continued monitoring of CWD over time is important to help Game and Fish understand the potential impacts of the disease as well as evaluate future management actions for deer and elk. A map of CWD endemic areas is available on the Game and Fish website. The disease is 100% fatal to deer, elk and moose that have been infected. Throughout the fall, Game and Fish has been asking hunters to collect lymph node samples from harvested deer and elk for CWD testing in focused monitoring hunt areas across Wyoming. Hunters are an important component in helping Game and Fish understand the disease and achieve CWD monitoring goals. When hunters submit samples, they are entered into a prize raffle.

“Each CWD sample we receive is valuable for monitoring and understanding the disease,” said Hank Edwards, Game and Fish Wildlife Health Laboratory supervisor. “Please make an effort to submit a CWD sample of your harvest.”

Game and Fish has conducted surveillance for CWD in Wyoming for more than two decades. Based on the past, wildlife managers believe CWD will be documented in new deer and elk hunt areas within Wyoming.

In 2020, Game and Fish personnel tested 6,496 CWD samples and continue to evaluate new recommendations for trying to manage the disease. So far, over 3,600 samples have been tested in 2021.

Please visit the Game and Fish website for more information on chronic wasting disease testing, transmission and regulations on transportation and disposal of carcasses.

(Sara DiRienzo (sara.dirienzo@wyo.gov))

- WGFD -

https://wgfd.wyo.gov/News/CWD-found-in-new-Wyoming-elk-hunt-areas

Mule deer study raises red flags

Elsa Freise Buffalo Bulletin Via Wyoming News Exchange Jul 3, 2021 Updated Jul 3, 2021

Elsa Freise Buffalo Bulletin Via Wyoming News Exchange

BUFFALO — There are still six months remaining in the three-year study to better understand why the population of the Upper Powder River mule deer herd is in decline, but already biologists have identified concerning trends.

Statewide, mule deer populations have been on the decline. Biologists have identified the Upper Powder River herd, which ranges in Hunt Areas 30, 32, 33, 163 and 169 south and west of Buffalo, as one of the high concerns.

“We just have way less deer than we used to,” said Cheyenne Stewart, the Sheridan Region wildlife coordinator for the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. “We were trying to look at what we are missing that could explain why the population isn’t rebounding.”

The Upper Powder River Mule Deer Initiative is also looking at history and strategies. Stewart said the initiative is pursuing answers to such questions as, “Are there differences in population metrics like survival and fawn recruitment for deer that migrate versus don’t migrate?” and “What is the relation to agricultural areas versus native habitat?

Two years deep into the study, Stewart has identified some red flags.

“Overall poor body condition. When you compare these deer to the famous Wyoming-range deer that migrate record miles, our deer coming into winter (pre-winter) are comparable to their deer after they have been starving, at the end of winter (post-winter),” Stewart said.

The energy required to lactate can contribute to poor body condition, but Stewart said that not enough does are lactating in December to explain the number of deer who enter winter in poor body condition. Stewart said there is some concern that low lactation rates among the herd’s does could mean that fawns are at higher risk for winter mortality because of the lack of addition al nutrition.

Stewart has also identified high mortality rates primary causes of deaths including chronic wasting disease and mountain lion mortality and a high CWD prevalence.

“Even though it’s a small sample size to make that calculation, (CWD prevalence) is higher than we would expect. Based on the data we have now, we are sitting at the mid-teens (15% to 17%) for prevalence in harvested adult bucks. But this time next year, that can be changed a little bit,” Stewart said.

What’s interesting about this project is that the doe prevalence for CWD is around 20%, higher than the adult buck prevalence an unusual occurrence. Game and Fish is curious to see if the adult buck deer prevalence increases, will the doe prevalence decrease, Stewart said.

Game and Fish has implemented several strategies aimed at boosting herd population: generating liberal licenses for animals that prey on deer, reducing doe harvest, treating the habitat to become more resilient to climate change to ensure that important mule deer habitats persist long-term, monitoring for CWD and other diseases and monitoring fawn survival (which has not been alarmingly low). Yet the trends have been consistent.

“Nothing can really explain what was really going on,” Stewart said.

In phase one of the study, each deer selected for the three-year study was fitted with a GPS neck collar and various body measurements were taken. There are 70 running collars. If a deer dies over the course of the year, a new deer will be collared. The study has collared around 110 deer. Blood samples

were collected and will be analyzed for genetics. In addition, samples were collected to test for parasites, and a small sample of rectal tissue was collected to test for CWD. An ultrasound was also performed to assess body condition, Stewart said.

Every December, biologists catch the collared deer to take

the same body measurements. The Upper Powder River Mule Deer Initiative will end in December, with a final capture, the removal of all collars, recording measurements and additional CWD work, Stewart said.

This story is supported by a grant through Wyoming EPSCoR and the National Science Foundation.

https://trib.com/mule-deer-study-raises-red-flags/article_9e132d0a-94a6-55a9-a0dd-f8e5e3cda259.html

https://www.wyomingnews.com/rocketminer/news/state/mule-deer-study-raises-red-flags/article_403e08ee-52bc-54be-a8e0-0a6116918f30.html

''Stewart has also identified high mortality rates primary causes of deaths including chronic wasting disease and mountain lion mortality and a high CWD prevalence.''

“Even though it’s a small sample size to make that calculation, (CWD prevalence) is higher than we would expect. Based on the data we have now, we are sitting at the mid-teens (15% to 17%) for prevalence in harvested adult bucks. But this time next year, that can be changed a little bit,” Stewart said.''

''What’s interesting about this project is that the doe prevalence for CWD is around 20%, higher than the adult buck prevalence an unusual occurrence. Game and Fish is curious to see if the adult buck deer prevalence increases, will the doe prevalence decrease, Stewart said.''

SEE ALSO;

CWD prevalence in North Bighorns elk herd unit

April 07, 2021

SHERIDAN -

In 2019, the Game and Fish Department’s chronic wasting disease surveillance program shifted from monitoring distribution and spread of the disease to concentrated focus on selected deer and elk herds in each administrative region of the state each year. Efforts are made by regional personnel to collect a minimum of 200 tissue samples from harvested animals in each selected herd. This minimum sample size produces a reliable estimate of prevalence, rather than simply detecting presence of the disease in an area.

The North Bighorns Elk herd, consisting of elk hunt areas 35 through 40, was originally scheduled for priority CWD sampling in 2021. However, enough hunter-harvested samples were collected during the 2018 to 2020 hunting seasons to obtain an adequate sample size (n=206).

Test results identified seven positive elk in two of the hunt areas, Areas 35 and 37, for a prevalence rate estimate of 3.4 percent. Both elk hunt areas overlap deer hunt areas with documented CWD in mule deer and white-tailed deer. Distribution of sampling was not uniform between hunt areas, with Hunt Area 37 accounting for 52 percent of the sampling effort and only five samples collected from Hunt Area 39.

“We plan to prioritize this herd for sampling again in 2027,” said Sheridan Region Wildlife Biologist Tim Thomas. “At that time, we will implement protocols to improve equitable sampling across all hunt areas.”

No CWD management actions have been implemented for this herd. Click here to learn more about CWD and read the department’s CWD management plan. - WGFD -

https://wgfd.wyo.gov/Regional-Offices/Sheridan-Region/Sheridan-Region-News/CWD-prevalence-in-North-Bighorns-elk-herd-unit

re-Wyoming Legislature Strips Science From WGFC Likely Dooming Elk To CWD Epidemic In The Future

April 27, 2021

Terry Singeltary flounder9@verizon.net

Dear Mr. Singeltary:

Governor Gordon received your April 1, 2021 email titled, “Wyoming Legislature Strips Science From WGFC Likely Dooming Elk to CWD Epidemic in the Future” and he asked that I update you on the actions the Wyoming Game and Fish Department (Department) is taking in regards to chronic wasting disease (CWD) and elk feedground management within Wyoming. First, thank you for your thoughts, input and CWD reference information.

In July 2020, the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission approved the Department’s CWD Management Plan (Plan), which guides the surveillance/monitoring of CWD and a suite of potential strategies wildlife managers may implement in an attempt to manage the prevalence and distribution of the disease in Wyoming’s deer, elk and moose herds. The Plan includes specific details on how the Department will address CWD on elk feedgrounds. Many of the concerns you raise are covered within the Plan. The document is available at:

https://wgfd.wyo.gov/WGFD/media/content/PDF/Vet%20Services/Approved-CWD-Mgmt-PlanJuly-16-2020.pdf

One of the critical Plan components of CWD management on elk feedgrounds is the initiation of a collaborative process that will direct the long-term management of elk feedgrounds, which will include CWD and other diseases. The Department completed Phase I in January 2021. Phase I provided the public and stakeholders with a comprehensive understanding of elk feedground operation and sought feedback to help shape the public process for Phase II. Phase II is in its initial steps and will begin public engagement during the summer of 2021. The feedground legislation you reference will not impact the Department in moving forward with developing and implementing a long-term feedground management plan. I encourage you to be actively engaged in the Phase II process and beyond. For more information on the public elk feedground collaborative process, please go to: https://wgfd.wyo.gov/Get-Involved/elk-feedgrounds

The Department remains committed to utilizing the best available science in managing the state’s cherished ungulate populations. I appreciate your comments, thoughts and concern and look forward to your continued engagement in our collaborative process.

Sincerely, Brian R. Nesvik Director cc: Governor’s Office Rick King, Chief, Wildlife Division Scott Edberg, Deputy Chief, Wildlife Division

=====end=====

Wyoming WGFD CWD seven positive elk in two of the hunt areas, Areas 35 and 37, for a prevalence rate estimate of 3.4 percent

CWD prevalence in North Bighorns elk herd unit

April 07, 2021

SHERIDAN -

https://wgfd.wyo.gov/Regional-Offices/Sheridan-Region/Sheridan-Region-News/CWD-prevalence-in-North-Bighorns-elk-herd-unit

Terry Singeltary <flounder9@verizon.net> To: Brian.Nesvik@wyo.gov , governor.elect@wyo.gov , Mark.Gordon@wyo.gov , Chad.Banks@wyoleg.gov , dan.zwonitzer@wyoleg.gov Cc: matthew@wyofile.com , angus@wyofile.com , editor@wyofile.com , sheridan.todd@wyo.gov , buck.mcveigh@wyo.gov and 10 more...

Thu, Apr 1, 2021 at 1:09 PM

Wyoming Legislature Strips Science From WGFC Likely Dooming Elk To CWD Epidemic In The Future

Greetings Honorable Director Nesvik, Governor, WGFC, Wyofiles, Legislatures, Hunters et al,

This is what happens when you let a bunch of legislatures that are oblivious to cwd tse prion science congregate together and remove sound science policy makers from the table, and then dictate junk science from legislators and Government to the people, and they love to do it with Chronic Wasting Disease CWD TSE Prion, and that's why CWD continues to spread, industry running the show from the sidelines.

SCIENCE SHOWS THAT CONTINUED CONGREGATION OF CERVID IN A GIVEN AREA WILL LOAD THE ENVIRONMENT UP WITH CWD TSE PRIONS, AND SCIENCE SHOWS THAT ENVIRONMENT CAN BECOME CONTAMINATED WITH TSE PRIONS FROM 16 TO 21 YEARS!

same thing is happening in Texas with CWD TSE Prion. you let a bunch of deer farmers, breeders, dictate science, and we all lose, but that money keeps flowing, and it does not matter that what they did keeps the cwd tse prion flowing as well.

you keep letting these elk congregate year after year after year in the same areas, with CWD growing exponentially across Wyoming, your playing with fire.

just look at some of these game farms that had upward to 80% CWD infection rate. is that what you want these feed grounds to become?

let's review the science, shall we.

first, let's see what the sixty-sixth Wyoming legislatures did, then the science they refuse to acknowledge, and this could cost the great state of Wyoming dearly.

Furthermore, you cattle ranchers better start paying close attention to these cwd regulations and what these legeslators plan on doing with cwd, and how that might affect you as a cattle rancher, or a pig farmer. you don't want a deer farmer or breeder siding up close to your land, i can assure you.

wait, there's more, CWD has now transmitted to pigs by oral routes, and that's puts a big bulls eye on the feed industry, especially since the BSE 589.2001FEED REGULATIONS for cervid is only VOLUNTARY. the price of TSE PRION POKER has gone up, are you all in $$$

i can only pray that the Governor of Wyoming will shoot this down, and let the scientist do their job.

TSE PRIONS HAVE NO PLACE IN A POLITICIANS HANDS, this has been proven time and time again.

with kindest regards,

i am sincerely,

Terry S. Singeltary Sr.

ORIGINAL HOUSE ENGROSSED

BILL NO. HB0101

ENROLLED ACT NO. 52, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

SIXTY-SIXTH LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WYOMING

Sponsor: Representative Sommers

Co-Sponsor: Representative(s) Flitner, Sweeney, Winter Senator(s) Baldwin, Driskill, Hicks

Bill Versions and Resources: IntroducedVersion initially introduced on the floor for debate.

EngrossedVersion that includes adopted amendments from first chamber.

EnrolledVersion passed in both chambers with all adopted amendments.

Fiscal noteEstimate of the fiscal and personnel impact to the state for the bill.

DigestA summary of proceedings for the bill as it moves through the process.

Last Action:

H Speaker Signed HEA No. 0052

Last Action Date: 03/31/2021

Scheduled Committee Meetings

No Meetings Currently Scheduled

Scheduled Floor Sessions

No Floor Sessions Currently Scheduled

2021 GENERAL SESSION

AN ACT relating to elk feedgrounds; authorizing the permanent closure of an elk feedground authorized or administered by the Wyoming game and fish commission only upon an order of the governor; requiring the recommendation of the commission and comment by the Wyoming livestock board for the closure of an elk feedground; requiring a public meeting; authorizing the governor to temporarily close elk feedgrounds under emergency circumstances; authorizing the Wyoming game and fish commission to contract or lease private and state lands for relocating elk feedground sites; requiring the Wyoming game and fish department to develop plans for alternative elk feedground sites as specified; requiring a report; and providing for an effective date.

Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Wyoming:

Section 1. W.S. 23‑1‑305 is created to read:

23‑1‑305. Closure of elk feedgrounds; alternative feeding sites; reporting requirement.

(a) Except as authorized by subsection (b) of this section, any elk feedground authorized or administered by the commission as of July 1, 2021 and in accordance with W.S. 23‑1‑302(a)(ix), shall only permanently cease operations or be subject to closure by the department or commission upon a recommendation for a feedground closure by the commission and subsequent order of the governor. Any closure order issued by the governor shall only be valid and lawful upon satisfaction of the following conditions:

(i) The commission shall provide its recommendation to the governor for the closure of the elk feedground and concurrently to the Wyoming livestock board. Upon receipt of the commission's recommendation, the board shall provide its opinion to the governor on whether the board believes the closure of the elk feedground is appropriate;

(ii) The commission, in consultation with the Wyoming livestock board, shall conduct not less than one (1) public meeting in a location that is reasonably calculated to foster the most public participation by the people directly impacted by the proposed closure and by other vested stakeholders. The public meeting shall be held after the commission and the board have acted as required under paragraph (i) of this subsection. The commission shall compile the comments received as a result of the public meeting and provide those comments to the governor for the governor's consideration on whether to issue an elk feedground closure order.

(b) Any elk feedground authorized or administered by the commission may be temporarily closed by order of the governor due to emergency circumstances for a period not to exceed six (6) months after which the feedground shall only remain closed in accordance with subsection (a) of this section.

(c) The commission is authorized to contract or lease private lands or lands owned by the state for the purpose of relocating an elk feedground authorized or administered under W.S. 23‑1‑302(a)(ix), which would otherwise be subject to closure under this section.

(d) For any elk feedground authorized or administered under W.S. 23‑1‑302(a)(ix), which utilizes federal public lands, the department shall report to the joint travel, recreation, wildlife and cultural resources interim committee upon the department receiving notice that the federal authorization permitting the use of the federal public lands will not be reissued or will be revoked. The report required by this subsection shall include draft contingency plans, including associated costs with implementing the plans, identifying any appropriate private lands, lands owned by the commission or lands otherwise owned or under the authority of the state of Wyoming for the purpose of supplementing or relocating the feedground operation that is affected by the expiration of any federal public land authorization. The office of state lands and investments shall cooperate with the commission in identifying any alternative feedground sites consistent with this section.

(e) Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit the department from continuing to administer authorized elk feedground operations, including:

(i) Commencing and ending annual elk feedground operations on dates determined by the department; and

(ii) Conducting emergency elk feeding operations when deemed necessary by the department.

Section 2. W.S. 11‑18‑103(a) by creating a new paragraph (xi) and 23‑1‑302(a)(ix) are amended to read:

11‑18‑103. Livestock board; powers generally.

(a) In addition to powers and duties hereinafter provided, the Wyoming livestock board shall:

(xi) Convene when necessary for the purpose of considering the recommended closure of any elk feedground as provided under W.S. 23‑1‑305(a).

23‑1‑302. Powers and duties.

(a) The commission is directed and empowered:

(ix) To make suitable provisions for the feeding of the elk subject to the requirements imposed under W.S. 23‑1‑305, and other game animals, birds, and fish of Wyoming in such localities as may be deemed necessary;

Section 3. This act is effective July 1, 2021.

(END)

Speaker of the House

President of the Senate

Governor

TIME APPROVED: _________

DATE APPROVED: _________

I hereby certify that this act originated in the House.

Chief Clerk

1

https://wyoleg.gov/Legislation/2021/HB0101

FRIDAY, JANUARY 24, 2020

Wyoming Game & Fish Discovers CWD-Positive Mule Deer in Pinedale, Discourages Feeding of Wildlife ''As of September 2019, CWD has been identified in 31 of 37 (84%) Wyoming mule deer herds, nine of 36 (25%)elk herds, and generally wherever white-tailed deer occur.

Increasing prevalence and distribution of CWD has the potential to cause widespread and long-term negative impacts to Wyoming’s cervid populations.

Prevalence of this disease in chronically infected Wyoming deer herds has exceeded 40%, with one elk herd exhibiting nearly 15% prevalence.''

''for the first time, there is clear evidence that CWD is adversely affecting the overall health and viability of some herds.''

https://wgfd.wyo.gov/WGFD/media/content/PDF/Get%20Involved/CWD/WGFD_DRAFTCWDManagementPlan_113019.pdf

https://wgfd.wyo.gov/WGFD/media/content/PDF/Get%20Involved/CWD/Final-WGFD-CWD-Management-Plan-7-2020-with-appendices.pdf

THURSDAY, APRIL 01, 2021

Wyoming Legislature Strips Science From WGFC Likely Dooming Elk To CWD Epidemic In The Future

https://chronic-wasting-disease.blogspot.com/2021/04/wyoming-legislature-strips-science-from.html

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2023

Yellowstone National Park Confirms First Case of Chronic Wasting Disease CWD TSE Prion

https://chronic-wasting-disease.blogspot.com/2023/11/yellowstone-national-park-confirms.html

Friday, November 16, 2012

Yellowstone elk herds feeding grounds, or future killing grounds from CWD

http://chronic-wasting-disease.blogspot.com/2012/11/yellowstone-elk-herds-feeding-grounds.html

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 03, 2021

Wyoming CWD found in new Wyoming deer hunt area

https://chronic-wasting-disease.blogspot.com/2021/02/wyoming-cwd-found-in-new-wyoming-deer.html

Wyoming CWD Dr. Mary Wood

''first step is admitting you have a problem''

''Wyoming was behind the curve''

wyoming has a problem...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y1bsK4Igt1o&index=10&list=PL7ZG8MkruQh3wI96XQ8_EymytO828rGxj

Since identifying its first cases of CWD in captive deer in the 70s and finding the first wild infected deer in 1985, Wyoming has seen the disease slowly spread throughout the state. CWD has now been documented in members of the deer family in most of Wyoming’s deer hunting areas, with 20% to 40% percent of mule deer affected in some herds. A 2017 study estimated a 21% annual population decline as a result of the fatal disease.

https://freerangeamerican.us/chronic-wasting-disease-wyoming/#:~:text=CWD%20has%20now%20been%20documented,result%20of%20the%20fatal%20disease.

How does CWD impact deer, elk, and moose populations?

Recent research in Wyoming has demonstrated declines in both mule and white-tailed deer populations in deer hunt area 65 due to CWD (see below for citations). These declines are in the core endemic area where prevalence is highest. In areas with lower prevalence, effects of CWD are poorly understood but are considered additive along with other factors that can negatively affect deer populations in Wyoming (i.e. habitat loss, predation, other diseases). The distribution and prevalence of CWD in Wyoming elk is less than that of deer. Currently there are no documented direct population impacts in Wyoming elk from CWD; however, research from Rocky Mountain National Park suggests that CWD could impact elk populations at higher prevalence (13%). While CWD has been found in free ranging moose, there have been few detections, and there is no evidence that CWD is currently having an impact on moose populations.

https://wgfd.wyo.gov/Wildlife-in-Wyoming/More-Wildlife/Wildlife-Disease/Chronic-Wasting-Disease

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2020

Wyoming Game and Fish Department has confirmed a new hunt area where an elk has tested positive for chronic wasting disease (CWD)

https://chronic-wasting-disease.blogspot.com/2020/11/wyoming-game-and-fish-department-has.html

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2020

CWD found in new deer and elk hunt areas in northeast Wyoming

https://chronic-wasting-disease.blogspot.com/2020/09/cwd-found-in-new-deer-and-elk-hunt.html

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 08, 2020

Wyoming Chronic wasting disease 2020 surveillance and monitoring

https://chronic-wasting-disease.blogspot.com/2020/10/wyoming-chronic-wasting-disease-2020.html

Fri, Jan 24, 2020 2:29 pm

Wyoming Game & Fish Discovers CWD-Positive Mule Deer in Pinedale, Discourages Feeding of Wildlife

''As of September 2019, CWD has been identified in 31 of 37 (84%) Wyoming mule deer herds, nine of 36 (25%) elk herds, and generally wherever white-tailed deer occur. Increasing prevalence and distribution of CWD has the potential to cause widespread and long-term negative impacts to Wyoming’s cervid populations. Prevalence of this disease in chronically infected Wyoming deer herds has exceeded 40%, with one elk herd exhibiting nearly 15% prevalence.''

''for the first time, there is clear evidence that CWD is adversely affecting the overall health and viability of some herds.''

https://chronic-wasting-disease.blogspot.com/2020/01/wyoming-game-fish-discovers-cwd.html

USA Report, Scrapie, CWD, BSE, TSE, Cattle, Sheep, Pigs, Cervid, Humans, Zoonotic, 2026

April 2026

https://fdabse589.blogspot.com/2026/04/usa-report-scrapie-cwd-bse-tse-cattle.html

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/403956772_USA_Report_Scrapie_CWD_BSE_TSE_Cattle_Sheep_Pigs_Cervid_Humans_Zoonotic_2026

TUESDAY, APRIL 07, 2026

APHIS USDA Captive CWD Herds Update by State March 2026

Updated March 2026

https://www.aphis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/status-of-captive-herds.pdf

https://chronic-wasting-disease.blogspot.com/2026/04/aphis-usda-captive-cwd-herds-update-by.html

SATURDAY, APRIL 11, 2026

Chronic Wasting Disease CWD TSE PrP, Cervid, Genetic Manipulation, Unforeseen Circumstances

https://chronic-wasting-disease.blogspot.com/2026/04/chronic-wasting-disease-cwd-tse-prp.html

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2026 Chronic Wasting Disease CWD TSE Prion, Economical, Environmental, Zoonotic, Risk Factors 2026

https://transmissiblespongiformencephalopathy.blogspot.com/2026/02/chronic-wasting-disease-cwd-tse-prion.html

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2026

atypical Nor-98, CH1641, Scrapie, TSE Prion, Update 2026

https://nor-98.blogspot.com/2026/02/atypical-nor-98-ch1641-scrapie-tse.html

TUESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2026

Pathogenesis, Transmission and Detection of Zoonotic Prion Diseases Project Number 5P01AI077774-14 2025

https://chronic-wasting-disease.blogspot.com/2026/01/pathogenesis-transmission-and-detection.html

Scrapie, CWD, BSE, CJD, TSE, PrP Update 2026

***> CWD Action Plan National Program 103 Animal Health 2022-2027 UPDATE JANUARY 2026

https://prpsc.proboards.com/thread/189/action-national-program-animal-health

https://chronic-wasting-disease.blogspot.com/2026/01/cwd-action-plan-national-program-103.html

***> SCRAPIE TSE Prion USA RAPID RESPONSE URGENT UPDATES DECEMBER 25, 2025

***> CWD vs Scrapie Urgent Update

https://scrapie-usa.blogspot.com/2025/12/scrapie-tse-prion-usa-rapid-response.html

https://prpsc.proboards.com/thread/186/scrapie-prion-response-urgent-updates

***> 2026 USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES, APHIS, CWD, BSE, Scrapie, TSE, Prion

https://transmissiblespongiformencephalopathy.blogspot.com/2025/12/2026-usda-explanatory-notes-aphis-cwd.html

Research Project: Elucidating the Pathobiology and Transmission of Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies

Location: Virus and Prion Research

2025 Annual Report

https://transmissiblespongiformencephalopathy.blogspot.com/2025/12/ars-research-elucidating-pathobiology.html

USDA National Scrapie Program History and Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy BSE TSE Update 2025 and history there from

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/396084947_USDA_National_Scrapie_Program_History_and_Bovine_Spongiform_Encephalopathy_BSE_TSE0AUpdate_2025

APHIS USDA Captive CWD Herds Update by State December 2025 Update

https://chronic-wasting-disease.blogspot.com/2025/12/aphis-usda-captive-cwd-herds-update-by.html

https://prpsc.proboards.com/thread/187/aphis-captive-herds-update-december

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2025

USDA EXPLANATORY NOTES ANIMAL AND PLANT HEALTH INSPECTION SERVICE 2025-2014 CHRONIC WASTING DISEASE CWD TSE CERVID

https://chronic-wasting-disease.blogspot.com/2025/09/usda-explanatory-notes-animal-and-plant.html

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2025

USDA National Scrapie Program History and Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy BSE TSE Update 2025

https://bovineprp.blogspot.com/2025/09/usda-national-scrapie-program-history.html

https://scrapie-usa.blogspot.com/2025/09/usda-national-scrapie-program-history.html

THURSDAY, JANUARY 08, 2026

Confucius Ponders, what about Wild Pigs (Sus scrofa) and CWD TSE Prion, and the Environment, what if?

Confucius Ponders, what about Wild Pigs (Sus scrofa), they can cover some distance rather quickly, what about Wild Pigs (Sus scrofa) digging up the terrain, and as they do it, what if these Wild Pigs (Sus scrofa) were exposed to CWD TSE Prion, and then they go on exposing and saturating the land with CWD TSE Prion, then the soil becomes contaminated with CWD TSE Prion, then what about the plants that grow from that soil for the decades to come, what if???

https://prpsc.proboards.com/thread/190/confucius-ponders-wild-pigs-scrofa

https://chronic-wasting-disease.blogspot.com/2026/01/confucius-ponders-what-about-wild-pigs.html

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2026

***> Chronic wasting disease prions in cervids and wild pigs in North America Preliminary Outbreak

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/697a3b013c71d838df6bd413/CWD_Prions_in_Cervids_and_Wild_Pigs_in_North_America.pdf

https://transmissiblespongiformencephalopathy.blogspot.com/2026/01/chronic-wasting-disease-prions-in.html

Cattle with the E211K polymorphism, and gCJD linked to a glutamic acid to lysine substitution at codon 200 (E200K) of PRNP, what if?

https://creutzfeldt-jakob-disease.blogspot.com/2026/01/cattle-with-e211k-polymorphism-and-gcjd.html

Cattle with the E211K vs Humans E200K of PRNP, what if?

https://prpsc.proboards.com/thread/195/cattle-e211k-humans-e200k-prnp

SATURDAY, JANUARY 10, 2026

***> Neuropsychiatric symptoms in sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, a review

https://creutzfeldt-jakob-disease.blogspot.com/2026/01/neuropsychiatric-symptoms-in-sporadic.html

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2025

US NATIONAL PRION DISEASE PATHOLOGY SURVEILLANCE CENTER CJD TSE REPORT 2025

https://prionunitusaupdate.blogspot.com/2025/10/us-national-prion-disease-pathology.html

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2025

While no one was watching: Tenuous status of CDC prion unit, risk of CWD to people worry scientists

https://chronic-wasting-disease.blogspot.com/2025/11/while-no-one-was-watching-tenuous.html

https://prpsc.proboards.com/thread/191/neuropsychiatric-symptoms-sporadic-cjd-review

terry

posted by Terry S. Singeltary Sr. at 8:33 AM 0 Comments