SLATE CREEK, Idaho — In an effort to minimize the spread of chronic wasting disease in wild game, Idaho Fish and Game (IDFG) will begin killing and testing deer in the Slate Creek area north of Riggins on Monday, Feb. 5.
This is the second year IDFG performed this method of monitoring the contagious, fatal neurological disease that affects deer, elk and moose. Chronic wasting disease (CWD) has no cure or vaccine, nor is there an effective way to test for the disease on live animals, according to IDFG.
The project is expected to last up to four weeks.
"While one CWD case was found outside of Unit 14, we believe spread of the disease could have been worse had the management action not been done in Unit 14 last winter," said J.J. Teare, Clearwater Region Supervisor. "So, we will repeat it this winter."
All animals killed during the project will be tested. Those that test negative for CWD will be processed and their meat will be donated to local families in need and to area food banks. Deer that test positive for the disease will be properly disposed of at an approved facility, according to Idaho Fish and Game.
Landowners will be issued permits to remove deer from their property, IDFG stated, since most deer are expected to be found habiting on private land.
IDFG in a news release said its staff uses methods not typically used for hunting, such as baiting and shooting at night.
Officials said the disease is often spread when animals forage in an area where CWD is present in the soil. If left unchecked, the disease is capable of posing long-term risk to the deer and elk population, as well as the quality of the meat.
Idaho Fish and Game CWD Data
IDFG stated that chronic wasting disease testing efforts over the past three years are proving effective in reducing the prevalence and rate of spread of the disease in and near a specific sample area called "Unit 14."
Of 265 animals from Unit 14 tested in the fall of 2021 and winter of 2022, biologists recorded six positive cases.
From 2022 to 2023, 1,297 animals were tested with 43 coming back positive for CWD.
Of those 43, 13 were from hunter-harvested deer and 27 were taken during the previous Slate Creek control action, according to Idaho Fish and Game.
IDFG said that since summer 2023, 744 animals have been sampled in Unit 14. Of the 744, seven have tested positive for the disease.
Idaho Fish and Game ask that people report any sick or dead deer to the department by calling Fish and Game's Clearwater regional office at (208) 799-5010.
Watch more Local News:
See the latest news from around the Treasure Valley and the Gem State in our YouTube playlist:
HERE ARE MORE WAYS TO GET NEWS FROM KTVB:
Download the KTVB News Mobile App
Apple iOS: Click here to download
Google Play: Click here to download
Watch news reports for FREE on YouTube: KTVB YouTube channel
Stream Live for FREE on ROKU: Add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching 'KTVB'.
Stream Live for FREE on FIRE TV: Search ‘KTVB’ and click ‘Get’ to download.