CRAIG, Colo. — Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s efforts to learn more about chronic wasting disease and how the agency will respond to increased prevalence will be the topic of a public meeting in Craig, 6 p.m., April 30, in room 175 at Colorado Northwestern Community College, 2801 West 9th Street.
Chronic wasting disease is a fatal neurological disease found in deer, elk and moose. To learn more about the disease in Colorado, CPW has required hunters to submit samples taken from deer harvested in several herds in Colorado since 2017. Mandatory submissions will resume in 2019.
During the public meeting, agency managers and biologists will reveal the results of last year’s mandatory testing within the Bear’s Ears deer herd, located within Game Management Units 3, 4, 5, 14, 214, 301 and 441, near Craig and Steamboat Springs.
“We needed better data to make informed decisions about how we can tackle this disease,” said Area Wildlife Manager Bill de Vergie of Meeker. “We thank hunters that cooperated with this important research. Now, it’s time for all of us to sit and have a discussion about what we’ve learned so far, and where we go from here.”
According to CPW managers, hunters will play a critical role in the coming years as the agency continues to address the challenge.
“Hunter harvest is one of our primary management tools,” said de Vergie. “Hunters will be a major part of our response to CWD, but everyone’s participation and input will be important, whether they hunt or benefit from hunting. Not everyone will agree with every decision, but either way, our goal is to keep the public informed as we proceed.”
CPW researchers and biologists have studied chronic wasting disease on numerous fronts. The agency’s work and expertise with CWD are recognized both nationally and internationally.
Who: Colorado Parks and Wildlife
What: Chronic wasting disease public meeting
When: 6 p.m., Tuesday, April 30
Where: Room 175, Colorado Northwestern Community College, 2801 West 9th Street in Craig
— Colorado Parks & Wildlife
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