Chronic wasting disease creating 'new reality' in Montana

The prevalence of chronic wasting disease in Montana has created "a new reality" for hunters and wildlife managers, just two years after it was first detected in the state.

An extensive program of testing deer, elk and moose harvested across Montana from April 1, 2019, to Jan. 29, 2020, turned up 142 positives from Libby to the Hi-Line to the Ruby Valley to southeastern Montana, the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks said. The positives included 86 white-tailed deer, 53 mule deer, two moose and one elk. Additionally, the Montana Department of Livestock announced earlier this month...