NE Montana Chronic Wasting Disease On the Rise
Chronic wasting disease (CWD) prevalence is increasing in most of northeast Montana, as is the spread of the disease across the landscape.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks recently tallied results of CWD samples taken during the 2024 big game season.
CWD was first detected in northeast Montana in 2018. Annual sampling of hunter-harvested animals, show the prevalence continues to increase, especially in mule deer.
“Region-wide, CWD prevalence in adult mule deer has increased from around 3 percent of the 2018-19 samples to almost 18 percent of 2024 samples,” said Scott Hemmer, Havre-area biologist, who helps keep tabs on CWD in the region. “Prevalence is more pronounced for mule deer in the northern hunting districts that border Canada.”
