How long has Chronic Wasting Disease been known in free ranging herds?
The first case of Chronic Wasting disease in wild elk or deer populations was detected in Colorado in 1981, though it is unlikely this was the first actual case. Since that time the number of cases and locations where the disease has been found has increased. The reason for this increase in unclear but likely is the result of increased surveillance as well as increased distribution of the disease. CWD has been found in the wild in areas of 11 states and two Canadian province including Colorado, Wyoming, Nebraska, South Dakota, Wisconsin, New Mexico, Utah, Illinois, New York, West Virginia, Kansas and the provinces of Saskatchewan and Alberta. Federal and state agencies are working to control any spread of CWD in these areas.
