Hunters Encouraged to Check Game for Chronic Wasting Disease This Fall.
By Garrett Christensen on Thursday, September 21st, 2023 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
ELGIN & BAKER CITY – The pandemic among humans may largely be over, but game animals are still vulnerable to their own slew of unique sicknesses, some more devastating than others. To coincide with the Fall big game seasons, ODFW will be operating Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) check stations across Eastern and Central Oregon.
For those unfamiliar, CWD is a fatal and highly contagious disease that affects deer and elk populations. The disease is similar to Mad Cow Disease, being a form of prion that causes decay of brain and spinal tissues. According to ODFW, CWD is primarily spread by fluids (saliva, urine, blood, and even feces) and can often pass between animals via nose-to-nose contact. CWD prions also spread through contact with the tissues of dead animals and can even persist in the soil for several years.
Symptoms of infected animals, as reported by the CDC, include:
- drastic weight loss (wasting)
- stumbling
- lack of coordination
- listlessness
- drooling
- excessive thirst or urination
- drooping ears
- lack of fear of people
To date, CWD has not been detected in Oregon, but was found in two harvested mule deer in Idaho within roughly 30 miles of the Oregon border in November of 2021. To help keep tabs on the possible spread, ODFW will once again set up CWD check stations across the state this fall.
Check stations will be set up in Eastern Oregon at the following dates and locations:
Oct. 7-9 (10 am – 6 pm) and Nov. 4-6 (10 am – 5 pm)
- Elgin, Elgin Stampede Grounds, 790 S 8th Ave, 97827
- Baker City, ODOT parking lot off Hwy 86
For those traveling across the state to hunt, check stations will also be available during:
Oct. 8-10 (9 am to dusk) and Nov. 4-6 (9 am to dusk)
- Prineville, Crook County Fair Grounds, 1280 Main St., 97754
- Celilo Park, Exit 97 off I-84
Hunters are legally required to stop at any check stations they encounter when transporting an animal carcass. In addition, it is considered illegal to transport the brain or spinal column of a harvested animal into Oregon from out of state. For more information on CWD, see the ODFW page at https://myodfw.com/CWD
