Chronic Wasting Disease Transmission, Spread Addressed in Bipartisan Senate Bill

News for Immediate Release
Feb. 8, 2019
Contact: Katie McKalip, 406-240-9262, mckalip@backcountryhunters.org

Senate bill follows introduction of House legislation,
considers impacts of CWD on big-game populations

WASHINGTON – Public lands sportsmen and women welcomed the introduction this week of Senate legislation that addresses the growing threat chronic wasting disease poses to big game populations across North America.  

Sens. John Barrasso (R-WY), Doug Jones (D-AL) and Michael Bennet (D-CO) introduced the Chronic Wasting Disease Transmission in Cervidae Study Act (S. 382), which would fund a special resource study aimed at understanding CWD in cervid populations, along with possible methods of prevention, while also stipulating measures for interagency cooperation and research. The bipartisan Senate legislation follows introduction of a House of Representatives bill (H.R. 837) by Rep. Ralph Abraham (R-LA) earlier this month.

“Species like deer, elk and moose are integral to America’s hunting heritage, local economies and communities,” said BHA Conservation Director John Gale. “CWD threatens to devastate ungulate herds across the nation, reducing hunter participation and recruitment in affected areas and decreasing available conservation funding for wildlife managers. We are grateful to our leaders in the Senate and the House for tackling the fight against CWD head on.”

To date, CWD has been identified in deer herds in 26 states and two Canadian provinces.

Backcountry Hunters & Anglers is the voice
for our wild public lands, waters and wildlife.

Learn more about BHA:
Visit our website.
Connect with us on Facebook.
Follow us on Twitter.
Find us on Instagram.

About Arkansas BHA Chapter

The Arkansas Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers is the voice for Arkansas' three million acres of wild public lands, waters, and wildlife. Through advocacy, education, and collaboration, the chapter strives to safeguard Arkansas's outdoor heritage.