State wildlife vet outlines small pilot for mandatory CWD testing in targeted unit

Virginia Stout, the state wildlife veterinarian, described the Division of Wildlife Resources’ plan to pilot mandatory testing for chronic wasting disease (CWD) in a single unit, the Ogden unit, and said the program is designed to begin small and scale up if the initial phase succeeds. "So the goal is to start small, and then as the year progresses, we'll assess how successful it was," Stout said, adding expansion would depend on results and funding.

Stout told the RAC the division currently relies on validated tests that require samples from dead animals and that live-animal tests remain experimental. "The only validated tests are from dead animals. We don't have a validated live animal test," she said, noting captures include ear punches, feces, nasal and oral swabs to develop additional diagnostics.

RAC members asked whether kits could be mailed to hunters in other units to increase sampling. Stout said the program is currently limited to the mandatory unit but that volunteers and mailed kits are possible steps if funding can be found: "That's very dependent on funding… So far, we're just in kits to the mandatory unit. But you can always pick one up at the office if you're interested."

Members of the RAC and hunters who spoke during the meeting voiced cautious support. Steven Duke recounted Colorado’s mandatory testing experience and said it generated strong hunter engagement: "It was fun to see… hunters bringing in their deer. The atmosphere was people were very willing and excited to contribute to it." Division staff said funding has come largely from USDA grants and that long-term expansion will require stable support.

The presentation to the Southeastern RAC was informational; no formal motion was required. Division staff said they will evaluate the pilot and report results before recommending wider adoption.