The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has implemented new regulations to combat chronic wasting disease (CWD) in the state. According to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife website, these rules, approved by WDFW Director Kelly Susewind, restrict activities involving cervids such as deer, elk, and moose. Key measures include restrictions on transporting cervids within the state, importing cervid parts, using urine-based scent lures, and feeding these species statewide.
The new regulations aim to reduce the spread of CWD, a fatal neurological disease caused by prions that can be spread through contaminated animal parts. To help control the disease, the new rules also prohibit baiting cervids during hunting and require mandatory testing of cervids in areas where CWD has been detected.
CWD, which was first identified in Washington in 2024, is currently limited to Eastern Washington, but the new regulations apply statewide to prevent future outbreaks. Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife website is also reviewing its practices related to feeding elk, particularly in areas with agricultural conflicts, to minimize the risk of disease transmission. For more information, WDFW has detailed the new CWD regulations and updates on the situation on its website.
