HELENA, Mont. (NMB) – Montana Fish Wildlife, and Parks has received the last big batch of test results for animals harvested during the general season, and 16 more deer tested positive for chronic wasting disease.
Overall, more than 7,000 animals have been tested statewide this year, with 131 coming up positive for CWD.
The fatal disease, which can affect the nervous systems of deer, elk and moose, has now been detected throughout most of Montana.
Transmission can most commonly occur through direct contact between animals, including urine, feces, saliva, blood and antler velvet. Carcasses of infected animals may serve as a source of environmental contamination as well and can infect other animals that come into contact it.
This batch of test results represents most of the samples collected during the general big game season. Hunters who harvest deer or elk during late seasons can still submit their lymph nodes for testing to the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks lab in Bozeman.
FWP will review management strategies, testing results and other collected information to make plans for the next necessary steps in managing the disease. CWD cannot be eradicated once it infects a herd.
If an animal tests positive for CWD, the CDC advises against eating the meat.
