Chronic Wasting, A Big Issue for Wyoming’s Mule Deer Population

A study is underway involving Converse County and researchers from the University of Wyoming. The study could help biologists gain a better understanding of Chronic Wasting Disease and the major influence  it has on Wyoming's mule deer populations.

The study is being done  south of Douglas. It is an area that is plagued with an extremely high occurrence of the disease. Last year 48% of the hunter-harvested deer in the herd had tested positive for the disease.

Also participating in the study is the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. The department will provide field assistance and oversight. The study on chronic wasting disease is important because over the last ten years the herd in that area has drastically plummeted by more than 50%. Chronic wasting disease however is continuing at a devastating rate.