Chronic Wasting Disease Found at Third Wyoming Elk Feedground in Two Months

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) has confirmed another case of chronic wasting disease (CWD) in an elk at the Black Butte Feedground near Pinedale, marking the third infected feedground in just two months.

The infected elk, an adult cow, was discovered in late February after it had likely been gored by a bull. When wildlife officials inspected the animal, they recognized it from Dell Creek Feedground, where it had previously been tagged during brucellosis testing. This highlights the frequent movement of elk between Dell Creek, Black Butte, and Soda Lake feedgrounds, increasing the potential spread of the disease.

This recent case follows multiple CWD-positive elk deaths at the Dell Creek Feedground, which became the second infected feedground in January. Before that, Scab Creek Feedground was the first to report an outbreak. Wildlife experts fear that the disease, which is always fatal, is on the verge of becoming a feedground epidemic.

CWD is a neurological disease caused by infectious prions, which can survive in the environment for decades. It spreads through direct contact between animals and contaminated food sources. Wyoming has 21 state-operated elk feedgrounds, where supplemental feeding has occurred for over a century. However, high concentrations of elk at these sites could accelerate disease transmission.

While CWD has been present in eastern Wyoming for nearly 40 years, wildlife officials worry that its impact could be more severe in northwest Wyoming, where thousands of elk gather at feeding sites each winter. Some experts believe waiting too long to act could lead to population declines.

The WGFD has implemented short-term measures to limit CWD’s spread, including:

• Spreading hay over a wider area to reduce elk crowding.
• Removing carcasses to prevent further environmental contamination.
• Monitoring feedgrounds and euthanizing severely sick elk when necessary.

However, long-term solutions are more complicated. The Wyoming Game and Fish Commission’s Elk Feedground Management Plan (2024) requires collaboration with hunting outfitters, ranchers, and state officials before major actions, like closing feedgrounds, can take place. Governor approval is also required for any closures.

Some experts, like retired Wyoming Wildlife Health Laboratory official Hank Edwards, believe this process is too slow.

“In this state, we don’t do anything until it’s too late,” he warned.

WGFD will continue to test elk for CWD, track its spread, and evaluate management strategies. The agency is also developing public action plans to reduce elk dependence on feedgrounds while considering stakeholder input.

For more information on CWD testing, transmission, and regulations, visit the Wyoming Game and Fish Department’s website.

With input from Wyo File, Buckrail, and Cap City News.