BONNERS FERRY, Idaho — The Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) said they have confirmed a positive case of chronic wasting disease in North Idaho.
IDFG said the case was found in an adult female white-tailed deer around three miles outside of Bonners Ferry. IDFG said this was the first known case of chronic wasting disease in North Idaho.
The deer was reported to fish and game by someone who found the dead deer last month.
IDFG said they are developing a plan for disease sampling to find out the prevalence and distribution of CWD in the area.
“While we are disappointed by the detection of CWD in north Idaho, the department is well-prepared to respond to the situation thanks to having a comprehensive Chronic Wasting Disease Strategy, a history of sampling for CWD in deer throughout the area, and experience dealing with affected populations in other parts of the state,” said Panhandle Regional Supervisor Carson Watkins. “Going forward we’ll be working closely with the Boundary County community to chart a course for long-term management of CWD on the landscape.”
If you would like to request a chronic wasting disease sample kit, IDFG said you should go to this link.
A recent case of chronic wasting disease was found in Spokane County in the beginning of August. The deer was an adult female white-tail that was found dead in the Fairwood area.
Before Idaho's findings, cases of chronic wasting disease have been found in 34 other states and four Canadian provinces.
