Wyoming wildlife managers on Wednesday reported an unwelcome first: The infectious prions that cause always-lethal chronic wasting disease have been detected within the boundaries of an elk feedground. 

The detection occurred at the base of the Wind River Range at the Scab Creek Feedground, about 15 miles east of Pinedale and within elk hunt area 98. A cow elk that tested positive for the degenerative neurological disease was found dead at the end of December.

“This is the third documented case of CWD in the hunt area and the first confirmed case of an elk testing positive on a feedground,” Wyoming Game and Fish Department officials stated in a notice alerting the public. 

None of the state agency’s personnel were able to be reached for an interview on short notice Wednesday afternoon. 

The Scab Creek Feedground is located on Bureau of Land Management property. The feedground’s population goal is 500 elk, though closer to 800 animals gathered at the site during two recent winters, according to Game and Fish’s recently completed elk feedground management plan.

Although it’s been known to occur in southeast Wyoming elk since 1986, chronic wasting disease is in the early stages of making inroads into Northwest Wyoming’s feedground region. The deadly malady was first found in the Jackson Herd in 2020, but since then it’s spread to the Pinedale, Piney, and, just recently, the Fall Creek herds. 

Although the incurable disease currently occurs at trace levels in feedground elk, that’s not expected to last. Scientific projections for CWD’s effects on elk populations are grim, especially if elk feeding — a historical practice that artificially concentrates animals — continues. Just last week, U.S. Geological Survey researchers completed an analysis that predicts the Jackson Elk Herd will decline by more than half if feeding continues on the National Elk Refuge. 

Projections for the future of elk herds attending state-run feedgrounds are also dismal, especially if feeding continues. Continued feeding of the Afton, Fall Creek, Piney, Pinedale and Upper Green River herds would lop those populations nearly in half, while contributing to CWD prevalence rates above 40%, according to 2023 USGS research. 

Wyoming Game and Fish’s management plan does not demand reforms to elk feedgrounds as a result of chronic wasting disease. The door, however, is open to changes or closures that will be prescribed through tertiary “feedground management action plans” that will be developed for two herds per year over the next three years. 

In 2025, the Jackson and Pinedale elk herds will be reviewed — the latter of which includes the Scab Creek Feedground. 

Part of the insidious nature of chronic wasting disease is that its vector — highly infectious misfolded proteins called prions — can live outside of animal hosts in soil and even absorb into grass. 

“Prions are known to bind to many soil types, and when bound to bentonite clay, infectivity is increased,” Wyoming’s feedground management plan states. “To limit the bioavailability of prions in the environment to cervids, substrate conversions of feeding areas should be considered.”

CHEYENNE – Gov. Mark Gordon highlighted Wyoming’s leadership and innovation in energy, natural resource management, education and economic development, during his State of the State address today.

Addressing a joint session of the 68th Wyoming Legislature, Gordon commented on the state’s low tax burden, what he views as Wyoming’s common-sense approach to governing, and the obligation of elected officials to work together to serve the people of the state. 

“From generation to generation Wyoming has grown and continues to thrive because of our conservative values and common-sense decision making,” the Governor said. “We have always been able to adapt to breakthroughs, meet challenges, and build a future by assuring our government is accountable, efficient, and responsible.”

Advertisement – Story continues below…

While offering congratulatory remarks during an optimistic address to the newly elected Senate and House leadership, 26 first-term legislators, and returning lawmakers, Gordon wished the body “Godspeed” and encouragement.

“Our constituents expect an efficient government that gets value for the dollar. One that allows them to keep as much of their hard earned money as reasonably possible,” Gordon said. 

“They don’t want cheap, or short-sighted budgets that look good on paper but may hurt them in their daily lives or cause their kids to leave. Wyoming people want sensible government that chooses right over wrong and the right thing over the easy thing,” Gordon added, echoing sentiments he’s heard throughout his tenure at numerous community forums, town halls, and constituent meetings.

Gordon noted that during his administration, the state government has continued to do more with less, pointing out there are 300 fewer state employees than when he took office, despite the expanded workload the Biden Administration’s programs and inflationary policies put on the state.

Gordon stressed the importance of strengthening Wyoming’s infrastructure. He asked the Legislature to allocate additional funds to the Mineral Royalty Grant (MRG) program, which is used to address emergency situations related to failing infrastructure in Wyoming communities.

Gordon pointed out that Wyoming parents face challenges in childcare and the loss of obstetrical services, recounting an emotional visit to Evanston where community members expressed concern about the hospital there no longer offering OB care.

“Is there anyone here today who prefers Wyoming’s mothers and mothers-to-be not to have access to quality OB care?” he asked the body. “I certainly hope not.”

Gordon said the change in Presidential administrations has Wyoming’s energy industries well-positioned. When he met with President-Elect Donald Trump along with other Republican governors, Gordon told the Trump that Wyoming stands ready to drill, mine and shovel. 

Gordon also highlighted his proposed “solid, balanced, well-constructed supplemental budget,” which recommends:

• $7 M in inflation related ongoing expenses
• $3.5 M for to extend and expand the coal litigation fund, making it a natural resources litigation fund.
• Support for access to obstetrics and mental health care providers
• Funding for firefighting and restoring fire-ravaged lands after a record fire season.