SPOKANE, Washington – A mule deer harvested in ferry County, Washington, recently tested positive for chronic wasting disease (CWD) using a private laboratory, potentially marking the first confirmed case of the fatal neurological disease in that unit and the first in mule deer within the state.
Unapproved Test Raises Questions About CWD Spread
A positive CWD result from a private test is under inquiry, highlighting the complexities of disease surveillance in wildlife.
- The Washington department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is investigating a potential CWD case detected by an unapproved test.
- Official testing by WADDL was inconclusive, due to the tissue sample provided.
- Hunters are urged to follow WDFW’s CWD sampling and transport rules.
- To date, WDFW has confirmed eight cases of CWD in Washington.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and WDFW do not currently validate tests from commercial laboratories for CWD detection. The deer was harvested in october, and the hunter transported it outside of the WDFW’s Eastern Region transport restriction zone without submitting required samples to the department. Instead, the hunter utilized a third-party testing company.
“Even though these results come from an unapproved test, we are doing our due diligence and investigating further to gain more information about this possible detection,” said Dr.Kristin Mansfield, WDFW’s state wildlife veterinarian.
WDFW requires hunters to submit heads or appropriate lymph node samples from harvested animals in all 100-series game management units (GMUs) in Washington. Hunters can utilize third-party testing companies, but these tests do not supersede the requirement for approved sample submission to WDFW.
“This case underscores how vital it is for hunters to follow the Department’s CWD sampling requirements and transport restrictions,” Mansfield added. “These rules are necesary to provide managers with credible and actionable information, limit the disease’s spread, and ultimately minimize its impact to our state’s deer, elk, and moose populations.”
WDFW has shared this information with area tribes and officials in British Columbia,given the proximity of the potential case to their jurisdictions. As of today, November 21, 2023, WDFW has confirmed eight cases of CWD in Washington, with this potential case adding to the ongoing surveillance efforts.
Detailed information on CWD, including confirmed cases and existing rules regarding sampling and carcass transportation, is available on the WDFW’s CWD webpage and rules for hunters.
WDFW’s mission is to preserve, protect, and perpetuate fish, wildlife, and ecosystems while providing enduring recreational and commercial opportunities.
