Scores of game farm elk were incinerated. Dozens of deer on nearby land were hunted by helicopter, killed and tested to keep this highly contagious disease from spreading. Hunters are being used to control the spread of CWD in the wild. In Colorado the hunting season was extended this year in some disease areas as a way to try and lower the diseased animal population. Hunters in some sections of the state must drop off deer heads for CWD testing.
Testing is voluntary in Wyoming and Nebraska.
Wildlife officials insist that as long as hunters are informed about CWD and take precautions, the disease is not a human health threat. I've lived here quite a long time. I've hunted here. I just have not seen any credible evidence that it's going to kill me or anybody else. Despite all the official assurances, some hunters and their families fear eating diseased meat could infect them with the same fatal brain disorder that's killing deer and elk.