Chronic wasting disease (CWD) has been detected at the Dell Creek Feedground in Wyoming, signaling a concerning spread of the fatal disease within the state’s wildlife, Mountain Journal reports.
In early 2023, Wyoming Game and Fish confirmed two cases of CWD in adult cow elk at the feedground, marking the first time the disease has been found in the Upper Green River Elk Herd and Hunt Area 87. These detections follow the initial confirmation of CWD at a Wyoming feedground in December 2022, when an elk at the Scab Creek Feedground was found infected.
The discovery at Dell Creek is part of a broader trend of increasing CWD cases across the Western US The disease, caused by misfolded prions that affect elk and deer populations, has been present in the region for years but is now being found more frequently in areas where elk gather at artificial feeding sites in the winter. Wildlife Division Deputy Chief Justin Binfet expressed concern over the development but emphasized that it was anticipated due to the ongoing spread of CWD across the West.
CWD poses a significant risk to elk populations, particularly in Wyoming, where feedgrounds are used to support wildlife during harsh winter conditions. These feeding areas, however, also create concentrated environments where the disease can spread more easily. In response, Wyoming Game and Fish has been proactive in developing an Elk Feedground Management Plan, which aims to reduce elk reliance on artificial feeding while addressing the risks posed by disease transmission.
In addition to the Dell Creek discovery, CWD has been confirmed in several elk in surrounding areas, including those in Hunt Area 98, where previous cases had been reported. The department has already begun collecting samples and removing infected carcasses as part of ongoing efforts to mitigate the impact of the disease. As part of the management plan, Game and Fish is also working to implement Feedground Management Action Plans for both the Jackson and Pinedale elk herds, focusing on sustainable long-term strategies for the health of elk populations.
While CWD has been a growing issue across the US since its discovery in Colorado in 1967, Wyoming remains committed to monitoring and addressing the situation. In addition to management plans, Game and Fish has adjusted its feeding practices in recent years to reduce risks, including limiting the length of the feeding season and expanding feeding areas to disperse elk more widely.
Despite these measures, concerns persist, with critics, such as Kristin Combs of Wyoming Wildlife Advocates, calling for stronger action and pointing out that other states have already eliminated artificial feeding programs. As CWD continues to spread, managing its impact on Wyoming’s elk herds will remain a critical challenge for wildlife officials.
