Proactive measures needed to prevent CWD outbreak

The discovery of a chronic wasting disease-afflicted deer in Kalispell last week cast a dour shadow on the opening weekend of Montana’s general hunting season.  

First detected in Montana in 2017, the Flathead Valley had somehow evaded the disease that kills deer, elk and moose, despite confirmed cases in nearby district 103 and a widespread outbreak in the Libby area.  

But a week ago, a sickly, wide-eyed and drooling white-tailed buck was reported at the Flathead County landfill -- classic symptoms of what’s known as “zombie deer disease.” Biologists euthanized the deer and samples submitted for testing came back positive, marking the first case in the Flathead Valley’s Hunting District 170.  

Of utmost concern is that the district includes a host of urban deer herds in Whitefish, Columbia Falls and Kalispell, where the disease could spread rapidly. It is more complicated to manage the disease in an urban setting, with Libby serving as a prime example.   

While the prevalence of chronic wasting disease in Libby has continued to decrease since its outbreak was first detected in 2019, it took the passage of a municipal deer management plan that included urban trapping and other aggressive tactics. Trapping deer in an urban setting is not only cumbersome and challenging, but it can also be quite jarring for some residents to witness.  

It’s in the Flathead Valley’s best interest to be proactive in controlling the disease now, so as to avoid a similar outcome.  

Experts say it’s possible to limit the spread of chronic wasting disease by reducing herd densities since the disease is spread through animal-to-animal contact and indirectly by coming in contact with the saliva, urine, feces or carcasses.   

In response to the positive confirmation in the valley, the state immediately increased the number of antlerless white-tailed deer licenses from one to two per hunter in the district — a prudent decision.  

It’s also crucial that hunters in the valley follow the state’s recommended guidelines for collecting samples and properly managing carcasses. While sampling is voluntary, it helps the state gain a better grasp on the extent of the disease and how to best manage it. It also reassures hunters that the meat they harvest is safe to consume.  

And remember animals that test positive for the disease should be disposed of at a landfill — dumping carcasses is illegal, unethical and can spread diseases like chronic wasting disease.  

If you haven’t already, read over the state’s chronic wasting disease guidelines and have a plan in place before heading into the field.   

Thank you to all the outdoors men and women who will play an increasingly important role this fall in conserving the valley’s coveted wildlife resources and protecting our outdoor heritage.

Happy hunting!