SJ 9 Resolution on Chronic Wasting Disease

SJ Resolution No. 9
Montana Sportsmen Alliance
February 21, 2017  3PM in Senate FWP

Chronic Wasting Disease is a highly transmissible neurological disease that belongs to a group known as spongiform encephalopathy (TSE’s) that are found in mule deer, white-tailed deer, elk and moose. Continuing research and population modeling suggests that CWD could reduce wild cervid populations by lowering adult survival rates and by altering long-term population dynamics. Definitive diagnosis requires examination of the brain, tonsils or lymph nodes after the animal is dead. Surveillance programs focus primarily on hunter harvested animals and require adequate samples to detect the disease when the disease is prevalent at low rates. Certain management actions have been taken to reduce the potential spread of the disease from infected areas and across jurisdictional boundaries. However, once detected, current response protocols are primarily directed at reducing the density of ungulate numbers in the infected area to slow further transmission. There are challenges to this approach.

SJ Resolution No. 9 addresses the major components of an effective strategy to deal with CWD in Montana. MSA endorses this approach and urges support of SJ 9. It is imperative to recognize that time is of essence and a well articulated strategy with broad endorsement is critical. There has been a significant amount of work completed in Montana that can compliment these efforts. This includes the acquisition of population characteristics and seasonal distribution patterns for mule deer populations in the high-risk areas of Montana; the on-going refinement to existing surveillance protocols and the continued discussion on evolving response strategies. Montana has worked closely with adjacent jurisdictions and with state and federal partners under the framework of International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. 

We would be remiss to point out the obvious. Current surveillance strategies were significantly reduced in scope when previous federal funding was eliminated. Efforts over the last several years have sparingly focused on the collection of symptomatic animals and that represents an incomplete sampling strategy at best. If one considers the seasonal migration patterns that occur in some of the high-risk areas, and the proximity to the state’s borders of documented infections in adjacent provinces and states, there is a strong likelihood that transmission may have already occurred. MSA appreciates the budget decisions currently confronting the legislature and executive branch. We also recognize the immediate need to provide funding for enhanced surveillance efforts in the high risk areas of north central, northeastern, south central and southeastern Montana. 

Montana Sportsmen Alliance

 phone 444-4800

Email:
   Jill Cohenour <Sen.Jill.Cohenour@mt.gov>, Mike Phillips <mikephillips@montana.net>, Tom Facey <TFacey@mt.gov>, Jeff Welborn <jeffwelborn@hotmail.com>, Edie McClafferty <edie.mcclafferty@gmail.com>, Sen.Steve.Hinebauch@mt.gov, sendavidhoward@gmail.com, "Hinkle, Jedediah" <Sen.Jedediah.Hinkle@mt.gov>, Sen.Cary.Smith@mt.gov, "Sen. Chas Vincent" <cvvincent@hotmail.com>, "Fielder, Jennifer" <Sen.Jennifer.Fielder@mt.gov>