Utah Wildlife Officials Require Hunters to Use Check Stations for Chronic Wasting Disease
Hunters who successfully bag a deer across numerous Utah hunting areas are requested to visit check stations this autumn to assist in tracking chronic wasting disease.
The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources is tracking the condition, which affects the nervous systems of deer, elk, and moose. Infected animals develop brain lesions, appear listless, have droopy ears, and will eventually die. Because infected deer often appear healthy during the early stages of the disease—including animals harvested by hunters—the only way to know whether your deer is infected is to test it.
Monitoring Mule Deer and Elk Populations Across Utah
Information gathered at these testing locations plays an essential role enabling the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources to track chronic wasting disease and preserve robust deer numbers throughout the state. State records show that a total of 435 mule deer and 11 elk have tested positive for chronic wasting disease in Utah. The disease is found primarily in the northeastern and southeastern parts of the state.
Hunters who shot a deer this year that was extremely thin, walking in tight circles, or had excess saliva are encouraged by the division to get it tested. There are technicians in every region of the state who can test deer for chronic wasting disease.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chronic Wasting Disease Testing in Utah
Which animals are susceptible to chronic wasting disease in Utah?
Chronic wasting disease affects the nervous systems of deer, elk, and moose.
Where are the check stations located for hunters?
During the autumn hunting season, hunters returning from successful deer hunts in various Utah units are requested to pull over at designated check stations. Technicians are also available in every region of the state to test deer for chronic wasting disease.
What are the physical symptoms of an infected animal?
Infected animals develop brain lesions, appear listless, have droopy ears, and will eventually die. Additional signs include being extremely thin, walking in tight circles, or having excess saliva. In the early stages of the disease, deer appear healthy.
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