Hunters are again being asked to bring their harvested deer to various stations across the state so biologists with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources can test the animals for chronic wasting disease. Chronic wasting disease is a relatively rare transmissible disease that affects the nervous systems of deer, elk and moose and it was first discovered in the Vernal area in 2002. While the Centers for Disease Control says the risk of transmission from animals to humans is considered extremely low, they recommend not consuming meat from animals infected with CWD. 262 mule deer and 6 elk have tested positive for CWD in Utah. Hunters are asked to stop at a monitoring checkpoint before heading home with their harvested deer so a sample can be taken and tested for chronic wasting disease. The sample can be taken in northeastern Utah at the DWR Vernal Office by appointment from October 21st through the 25th, at the Nobletts Trailhead along Highway 35 from October 19th through the 21st, and on Highway 191 at Steinaker Reservoir on October 19th and 20th.
