Emergency rules implemented to combat Chronic Wasting Disease in WA

OLYMPIA — In response to a confirmed case of chronic wasting disease in Spokane County this past July, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has enacted several emergency regulations aimed at curbing the disease's spread according to a WDFW Aug. 23 press release.

Chronic Wasting Disease is a fatal neurological illness affecting deer, elk, moose and caribou, caused by prions — a type of protein that can trigger proteins in the brain to fold abnormally – that contaminate the environment and can be transmitted through bodily fluids. According to the WDFW in an Aug. 1 press release, there was a confirmed adult female white-tailed deer found dead in the Fairwood area of North Spokane.

Key rule changes include a prohibition, effective Sept. 1 on hunting deer, elk, and moose with bait in game management including any type of bait placed, exposed, distributed, scattered, or otherwise used to attract an animal.

Additionally, starting Aug. 23, 2024, it will be illegal to transport deer, elk, or moose from the 100 series game management units unless the meat has been deboned.

From the same date, individuals salvaging deer or elk in affected areas must submit heads and three inches of the neck or extracted retropharyngeal lymph nodes at the base of the skull to WDFW for CWD testing, within three days of receiving a salvage permit.

For detailed information on CWD testing procedures and the management plan, visit WDFW's CWD web page. The department is also planning to propose similar permanent regulations to the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission.