WDFW approves new rules to limit the spread of chronic wasting disease

OLYMPIA – Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) Director Kelly Susewind has made decisions on proposed rules designed to limit the spread of chronic wasting disease (CWD) in Washington.

The director approved all rules as proposed by the Department, including those related to transporting harvested deer, elk, and moose (cervids) in Washington, importing meat and other cervid parts into Washington, and using scent lures derived from cervid urine or glandular materials. The director also approved a proposal to ban feeding deer, elk, or moose statewide, including baiting while hunting. Finally, he approved new rules for mandatory CWD testing of harvested and salvaged cervids in any WDFW region where CWD has been detected. Currently, CWD has only been detected in WDFW’s Eastern Region.

The director approved the CWD rules on March 24 and the rules are considered permanent 31 days after filing. For the latest information on CWD rules in Washington, visit WDFW’s CWD webpage.

Limiting how harvested cervids can be transported within Washington or imported into the state reduces the chance of spreading CWD by prohibiting the movement of parts from harvested animals that may carry the contagious prions that cause CWD. Scent lures derived from cervid urine or glandular materials also have the potential to contain these prions.

The statewide ban on feeding deer, elk, and moose is designed to limit the prevalence and spread of CWD by not congregating wildlife in areas where they are being fed, which can spread diseases. The proposal also includes a ban on baiting deer, elk, and moose while hunting. Even though CWD has only currently been detected in Eastern Washington, the statewide bans prevent undetected disease outbreaks from spreading between populations. WDFW is also evaluating its own wildlife feeding practices in areas where elk are fed to reduce human-wildlife conflict in agricultural areas.

Testing lymph nodes in the head of carcasses is the only way to determine if an animal is infected with CWD. Harvested and salvaged cervids are the best sources for testing for CWD in Washington. Testing helps WDFW manage the disease by determining the extent of the outbreak. Understanding what species and areas are affected allows managers to respond to the outbreak more effectively and efficiently.

CWD is a fatal neurologic illness of cervids caused by an infectious prion protein and transmitted between wildlife through feces, saliva, urine, or contaminated environments. There is no cure or preventative treatment for CWD. CWD was first detected in Washington in 2024, and WDFW has been responding per the agency’s proactive CWD Management Plan.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife works to preserve, protect, and perpetuate fish, wildlife, and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities.