Oregon Needs Help Tracking Chronic Wasting Disease

Oregon’s Department of Fish and Wildlife needs hunters to help track deer and elk with chronic wasting disease.  It's fatal for the animals.  ODFW's Adam Baylor says testing locations are found throughout the state.

"It takes about ten minutes, we take a lymph node, and that tissue sample is sent to a lab here in Oregon and those results are then posted online," Baylor said.

He noted hunters who pass a test location must stop.  Hunters that stop will also be entered into a drawing for a new rifle.

"Courtesy of the Oregon Hunter's Association, this year any sample submitted will get the hunter entered into a drawing for a Howa 1500 .223 caliber rifle."

If hunters don't pass a test location, they can go to certain processors and taxidermists.  They can also take the head to an ODFW office after making an appointment.  Baylor said early detection will help limit spread of the disease, which has been found in Washington, Idaho and California.

If you have a story idea for the PNW Ag Network, call (509) 547-9791, or e-mail glenn.vaagen@townsquaremedia.com