WDFW Proposes New Rule To Limit The Impact Of CWD

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is asking for public input on proposed rule changes aimed at slowing the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease among deer and other cervids.

The proposals would tighten regulations for people who own, sell, import, or raise captive deer, elk, moose, reindeer, and other related species.  The changes also include a new testing requirement for captive animals that could carry the always-fatal disease.  For more information about the proposed rules is available on WDFW’s rule making Webpage.

A State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) determination has also been issued for this rule making proposal.

WDFW said the public comment periods for this rule making and the associated SEPA determination are open through August 7th.  The public may submit comments about the rule making Online, Via-Email, by phone at 1-588-925-2801, project code 10063, or by mailing:

WDFW Wildlife Program
P.O. Box 43200
Olympia, WA 98504

Comments specific to the SEPA determination can be submitted Online or Via-Email. 

The Department announced it would also hold a virtual public hearing for this rule making on Thursday, August 6th. If you are interested in participating, you must register in advance.  Click Here for more information.

CWD was first detected in Washington in 2024 and has since been confirmed in Spokane and Pend Oreille counties.

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