News – Sheridan Media
The Wyoming Game and Fish Department has reported the confirmed presence of chronic wasting disease for the first time in Elk Hunt Area 61 in the Cody Region.
According to Game and Fish, the presence was confirmed in a deceased cow elk found in the hunt area. Elk Hunt Area 61 is bordered by CWD-positive Elk Hunt Areas 58 (detected in 2023), 59 (detected in 2022), 52 (detected in 2025) and 66 (detected in 2018). Elk Hunt Area 61 is part of the Cody Elk Herd. CWD was first detected in this herd in 2018.
To ensure the public is informed, Game and Fish announces when CWD is found in a new hunt area.
Game and Fish note that CWD is 100% fatal to infected deer, elk and moose and the continued monitoring of CWD over time is important to help Game and Fish understand the potential impacts of the disease, as well as evaluate future management actions. Hunters can assist in data collection by submitting samples for free CWD testing, especially when hunting in priority or mandatory CWD testing areas. More information on providing test samples can be found on the Game and Fish website.
A map of CWD endemic areas, along with more information, is available on the Game and Fish’s CWD webpage. The public is asked to contact the nearest Game and Fish office if an animal appears sick or injured.
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Last modified: October 23, 2025