Wyoming
WGFD releases chronic wasting disease 2024 report for Wyo mule deer, elk
CHEYENNE, Wyo. — The Wyoming Game and Fish Department’s (WGFD) Wildlife Health Laboratory saw an increase in the prevalence of chronic wasting disease (CWD) in the state’s mule deer populations, the agency has announced.
WGFD said it tested for CWD in more than 5,000 samples taken from mule deer, white-tailed deer, elk and moose, including hunter-harvested, targeted and road-killed animals. Of those samples tested, 19.4% came back positive in hunter-harvested mule deer bucks, 29.2% in hunter-harvested white-tailed bucks and 2.3% in adult, hunter-harvested elk.
The WGFD released its 2024 CWD Surveillance Report this spring, stating that out of 5,276 samples of CWD tested, 726 came back positive.
The number of CWD submissions reported in 2024 were slightly higher from 2023’s 5,100 CWD submissions. In 2023, the percentage of mule deer bucks that tested positive for CWD was slightly lower at 18.9%. The percentages for white-tailed deer and elk decreased from 2023 at 30.3% and 2.8,% respectively. There were no positive CWD samples from moose.
The CWD Surveillance Report also states that in 2024, CWD was detected in three new deer hunt areas — 31, 53 and 94 — and three new elk hunt areas — 23, 84 and 126. Earlier this year, CWD was found in three additional elk hunt areas — 62, 87 and 93 — and on four elk feedgrounds in western Wyoming.
The WGFD wrote on its website that throughout 2024, 95% of Wyoming’s mule deer hunt areas and 62% of elk hunt areas were considered endemic for CWD. The WGFD said that it will continue to conduct yearly surveillance focused on priority and mandatory areas. CWD levels are not uniform across a herd and can accumulate in hot spots of higher concentration within these herd units. In areas where the disease has not been detected, “CWD sampling is critical for early detection of the disease as management strategies can change with the status of CWD prevalence,” the WGFD wrote.
“To determine CWD prevalence in individual herds, five-year averages were calculated to ensure a significant sample size,” the WGFD wrote. “The Project herd in the Lander Region continues to have the highest CWD prevalence in the state at 66.3%. The Shoshone River herd in the Cody Region is second at 47.6%.”
The WGFD wrote in the announcement that CWD is a fatal disease of the central nervous system in mule deer, white-tailed deer, elk and moose. It belongs to the group of rare diseases called transmissible spongiform encephalopathies. These disorders are caused by abnormally folded proteins called prions. There is no cure or vaccine for CWD. There have been no cases of CWD in humans and no direct proof humans can get CWD. However, the Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization recommend not consuming CWD-positive animals.
All CWD testing is free for animals harvested in Wyoming.
CHEYENNE, Wyo. — As the Aug. 18 primary election approaches, Cap City News is introducing candidate questionnaires to help voters make informed decisions at the ballot box.
Every candidate in the primary field was sent the same three questions and given a limit of 500 words, which could be distributed among their answers as they saw fit. To ensure a fair and direct line to the community, all responses are published exactly as submitted, without edits or alterations.
Candidates were asked:
- What are the most crucial challenges your constituents are facing?
- If elected, how will you address these challenges?
- What qualities or qualifications do you possess that have prepared you to meet these challenges?
Questionnaires are being published on a rolling basis online through Aug. 11. They will be accessible via the Cap City News Election Tracker.
Jessica Crowder (R), Wyoming House District 43
What are the most crucial challenges your constituents are facing?
Wyoming is built on hard work, strong communities, and the responsible use of our natural resources. The families in House District 43 and Wyoming face real challenges — from the need for a more resilient, diverse economy to the increasing outmigration of young people. Wyoming families also face rising costs of healthcare, housing and more. House District 43 deserves a representative that puts people first and works to strengthen the place we call home through steady and thoughtful leadership.
If elected, how will you address these challenges?
As a legislator, I will use my experience working with landowners, businesses, and local governments to support the industries that define Wyoming while encouraging thoughtful growth and diversification. Our future depends on good jobs, strong schools, and communities where families can put down roots and thrive. We can honor the values that make Wyoming what it is while building something that lasts—an economy that works for working people, an education system that prepares the next generation, and communities that remain resilient and connected.
The rising cost of healthcare and the difficulty of accessing services are real challenges for Wyoming families. We need reforms that reduce costs, expand access—including to mental health resources—and meet people where they are. The 2026 Health Insurance Affordability Task Force is working to address rising costs, and I will work with this group and others to develop effective solutions that deliver the quality care our communities deserve.
Tax and housing reforms must be reviewed for possible refinement so people can afford to buy homes, stay in their homes, and build equity and pride of place. At the same time, every Wyoming county depends on a different mix of revenue, and we all rely on stable, predictable local funding for essential services. I will participate in honest, informed conversations about how to provide relief to those who need it most without jeopardizing essential services.
Wyoming’s economy depends on our core industries and new businesses that invest here. Both need clear, consistent processes and regulations so they have confidence in choosing Wyoming. Economic growth also relies on strong infrastructure and a skilled workforce. When these pieces work together—predictable regulations, reliable infrastructure, workforce readiness, and responsible budgeting—they create a stable environment that encourages growth, provides good jobs, and protects taxpayers.
What qualities/qualifications do you possess that have prepared you to meet these challenges?
I believe we maintain and create opportunity by respecting the people who live here and the land that sustains us. I grew up on a ranch and now raise my family in Laramie County, where we run a ranch and small business, so I understand the challenges facing families, landowners, and employers. With over 20 years of experience in agriculture, land management, and public policy, I’ve supported working lands, defended local interests, and strengthened communities. The values that guide this work—practical problem solving, respect for local knowledge, and a commitment to community—have broad application beyond land management and would serve me well in the legislature.
Related
TETON COUNTY, Wyo. — The Wyoming Department of Health recently confirmed two additional cases of measles in Teton County, bringing the statewide total to six cases, with five cases having occurred in Teton County.
A release from the WDH states that one recently-confirmed case is an adult with no identified links to the previous three Teton County cases, while the other case is also an adult, who had direct exposure to a previously identified case.
“This underscores the highly contagious nature of the measles virus,” the release states.
According to the release, the public may have been exposed to measles at the following locations and times:
Target Jackson Hole, 510 S Highway 89, Jackson, Wyoming 83001
- July 5, 2026, 7:00 AM through 7:00 PM
- July 6, 2026, 7:00 AM through 7:00 PM
- July 7, 2026, 7:00 AM through 7:00 PM
Smith’s Food and Drug, 1425 South Highway 89, Jackson, Wyoming 83001
- July 8, 2026, 9:00 AM through noon
“Measles is very contagious and can cause serious illness, including pneumonia, encephalitis, hospitalization, and death,” the release states. “Vaccination is the best way to prevent measles infection.”
For more information on measles, including case counts, exposure locations, and guidance on what to do if exposed, visit the Wyoming Department of Health website.
Related
-
Alaska42 seconds agoICE: Alaska state attorney arrested by immigration officials, held in Tacoma detention center
-
Arizona7 minutes agoArizona Lottery Powerball, The Pick results for July 15, 2026
-
Arkansas13 minutes agoAGFC proposes WMA regulation | Arkansas Democrat Gazette
-
California19 minutes agoBecerra leads Hilton by wide margin in California governor’s race, new poll finds
-
Colorado25 minutes agoSee where the new Colorado Connector train will stop
-
Connecticut31 minutes agoThis Connecticut barbecue restaurant is ‘beloved’ for a reason.
-
Delaware37 minutes agoDelaware oversight commission debates authority to reject utility rate hikes
-
Florida43 minutes agoFlorida preacher buys VT campus to build Christian college | Fox News Video
