Wildlife managers have detected chronic wasting disease (CWD) on the National Elk Refuge in Wyoming, marking the first confirmed case of the fatal neurological disease in the area.
The Wyoming Game and Fish Department and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced the discovery after refuge biological staff humanely euthanized and sampled an adult cow elk showing signs of the illness. Testing at the Game and Fish Wildlife Health Laboratory confirmed the positive result. All CWD samples collected on the refuge are processed through that lab.
The case represents the first detection of CWD in Wyoming Elk Hunt Area 77 and the first confirmed case of an infected elk on the refuge itself.
In response, National Elk Refuge staff will ramp up monitoring and surveillance of elk and bison herds, re-evaluate existing programs, and implement new biosecurity protocols aimed at protecting both people and wildlife. Officials say any changes to management practices will be communicated to the public. The refuge has a CWD Response Strategy outlining planned next steps.
CWD is a fatal neurological disease affecting deer, elk, and moose. There is no known cure. Game and Fish works alongside FWS to manage wildlife on federal lands, and both agencies will continue monitoring the disease to better understand its potential impacts and guide future management decisions.
Hunters and the public are encouraged to review Wyoming Game and Fish CWD guidelines covering testing, transmission, and carcass transportation and disposal regulations.
