Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is spreading across elk feeding grounds near Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Recent harvests have confirmed several positive cases of the fatal disease, resulting in the investigation of current feedground management strategies by Wyoming Game and Fish (WGF) officials. Hunt districts 128 and 171 are currently considered hot spots for the disease.

According to the Jackson Hole News & Guide, a mule deer buck killed Oct. 8, which tested positive for CWD, was harvested about 30 miles from the Fish Creek Feedground. This marks the closest that the disease has ever gotten to three elk feedgrounds in the Gros Ventre River drainage, which includes the Fish Creek Feedground, Patrol Cabin Feedground, and Green River Lakes Feedground.

In addition to reviewing current management strategies, WGF is also hiring two contract employees to “keep tabs on elk feedgrounds,” according to the Jackson Hole News & Guide.

“This additional effort allows Game and Fish to more actively monitor and take necessary actions as this disease spreads west and closer to elk feedgrounds,” WGF wildlife division deputy chief Scott Edberg said in a statement.

Should you harvest an infected mule deer, elk, or moose, it’s recommended that you not eat the meat. Please report any suspicion of infection to wildlife authorities.