CWD
Travis Smola

CWD-Positive Bull Elk Found in Wyoming Elk Hunting Zone

Wyoming Fish and Game confirms another CWD-positive elk.

Hunting seasons are still young, but there's already bad news for Wyoming hunters. Wyoming Fish and Game has confirmed another elk that's tested positive for chronic wasting disease.

This latest discovery happened in an area northeast of Meeteetse in Hunt Area 66. The positive animal was a hunter-killed bull. This is the first time this area has detected the always-deadly neurological disease. But, authorities are likely concerned because the discovery happened near Hunt Area 48. The first detection of the disease came from that area last year.

Wyoming first detected CWD in 1985, as elk and mule deer have reportedly carried the disease throughout the state. Two years ago, the disease surfaced in a mule deer in the city limits of Cody, about 30 miles to the north of Meeteese. Officials also found CWD in a deer west of Cody in the Wapiti valley area around the same time.

For now, officials are asking resident hunters to review transport regulations and report any deer, elk or moose that appears to be sick. Wyoming Game and Fish are also recommending all hunters in these and surrounding areas have their deer and elk harvests tested for the disease. They also recommend not consuming the meat from a CWD-positive animal.

NEXT: BOONE AND CROCKETT ANNOUNCES MORE FUNDING TOWARDS CWD FIGHT

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