HAVRE, Mont. (NMB) ― The number of animals that have tested positive for Chronic Wasting Disease in Montana continues to expand.
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks says that 142 animals have tested positive for the fatal disease since April 2019, an increase from the 131 positive tests as of late December.
The majority of the animals that have tested positive are white-tailed or mule deer, but two moose and one elk have also contracted the disease.
With the latest update, the FWP says the area south of Highway 2 along the Hi-Line is now considered a CWD-positive area.
Among CWD-positive hunt districts, estimated prevalence ranged from less than 1 percent to 7 percent in mule deer and less than 1 percent to 4 percent in white-tailed deer.
The disease does not transmit to humans, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises hunters to get their animals tested and not eat the meat if they do test positive.
FWP is currently reviewing strategies on ways to manage the disease and will continue to collect samples throughout the year.
