Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) has been confirmed on the Flathead Indian Reservation, marking a significant development in the region’s wildlife management efforts. The disease, which was detected in a mule deer from the Hog Heaven Management Unit, has prompted immediate action from the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes (CSKT) Division of Fish, Wildlife, Recreation, and Conservation (DFWRC).
The confirmation came after a sample submitted by the CSKT Wildlife Program tested positive for CWD on January 6, 2025, with results provided by the State Laboratory. CWD is a fatal neurological disease that primarily affects deer, elk, and moose, and is known to spread through animal contact and improper carcass disposal.
In response to the discovery, the CSKT has activated its CWD Surveillance and Management Plan. This comprehensive strategy aims to prevent the further spread of the disease to neighboring wildlife populations while ensuring the Tribal community is kept well-informed about the disease’s progress within the designated CWD Management Zone. This zone includes the Hog Heaven and Irvine areas.
The CSKT Wildlife Program is focusing on collecting samples from 150 mule deer in the affected area to assess the extent of the disease. Tribal hunters are being encouraged to assist in reaching this goal by contributing to sample collection efforts.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) advises against consuming meat from animals that test positive for CWD, as there is currently no vaccine for the disease. While human transmission is not confirmed, it is believed to be possible through the consumption of infected meat.
In an effort to manage the outbreak, the CSKT will propose a Tribal member CWD Hunt within the Management Zone to further reduce the mule deer population and aid in sample collection. Tribal members planning to hunt in the area are urged to contact CSKT Wildlife at 406-675-2700 ext. 7284 to help meet the objectives of the plan and prevent the disease’s spread.
Hunters are also being advised to test all big game animals for CWD before processing or moving carcasses and to protect carcasses from contact with other animals. Carcasses should be disposed of at designated sites to minimize the risk of spreading the disease.
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