Reminder to hunters, Chronic Wasting Disease check stations open this weekend
By Garrett Christensen on Monday, September 30th, 2024 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
EASTERN OREGON – Coinciding with the opening of the 2024 deer rifle season, Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) check stations will open between October 5-8 at four locations across eastern and central Oregon. For those unfamiliar, CWD is a fatal prion disease that affects deer, moose and elk. The disease is most frequently spread through nose-to-nose contact, urine, feces, blood and saliva, and is capable of persisting in the soil for years.
The disease has not yet been detected in Oregon but was detected in Washington state on August 1, 2024, California on May 7, 2024, and Idaho as far back as 2021. There is no known cure or treatment for CWD.
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife will be hosting CWD check stations at the following locations for the opening weekend of the 2024 deer rifle season:
- Celilo Park (exit 97 off I-84 west of Biggs Junction), Oct. 6-8, 2024, 9 a.m. to dusk. (Google map coordinates )
- Elgin Rodeo Grounds, 790 S 8th Ave, Oct. 5-7, 2024, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Google map coordinates )
- Baker City, ODOT parking lot off Hwy 86, Oct. 5-7, 2024, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Google map coordinates )
- Prineville, Crook County Fairgrounds, 590 SE Lynn Blvd, Oct. 5, 2024, noon to dusk; Oct. 6-8, 2024, 9 a.m. to dusk. (Google map coordinates)
In addition, CWD check stations will also be set up at the same locations for the opening weekend of 2024 rifle Rockey Mountain elk season:
2024 0pening weekend rifle Rocky Mtn elk season:
- Celilo Park (exit 97 off I-84 west of Biggs Junction), Nov. 2-4, 2024, 9 a.m. to dusk. (Google map coordinates)
- Elgin Rodeo Grounds, 790 S 8th Ave, Nov. 2-4, 2024, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Google map coordinates)
- Baker City, ODOT parking lot off Hwy 86, Nov. 2-4, 2024, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Google map coordinates)
- Prineville, Crook County Fairgrounds, 590 SE Lynn Blvd, Nov. 2-4, 2024, 9 a.m. to dusk. (Google map coordinates)
Remember, anyone encountering a CWD check station while transporting an animal carcass is legally required to stop.
Aside from CWD check stations, hunters can get their animals tested at ODFW field offices, along with certain taxidermists and meat processors. More details can be found at https://myodfw.com/articles/other-ways-get-your-animal-tested-cwd
More general information on CWD can be found at: https://myodfw.com/CWD
