BONNERS FERRY, Idaho — Two additional deer have tested positive for chronic wasting disease in Bonners Ferry.
According to a press release from the Idaho Fish and Game (IDFG) , the results are pending from 11 remaining samples.
IDFG said the positive tests were found in deer that were harvested within less than one mile of the original positive detection of chronic wasting disease.
IDFG said the close proximity of the two detections is good news because it suggests they detected the disease early and that it's not widespread at this time.
“While we are disappointed to find additional positive detections in the Panhandle, we are thankful there weren’t more, and we remain hopeful we’ve detected CWD early enough to effectively slow its spread," Carson Watkins, Panhandle Regional Supervisor, said. "Through this process, the engagement and support of the Boundary County community has been outstanding, as expected. We want to thank everyone who participated in the surveillance hunt or attended one of our Community Chat meetings--we couldn’t do this without you.”
IDFG said 172 samples were submitted for CWD testing. IDFG said in their press release that disease prevalence will be calculated and released when the remaining 11 samples are back from the lab.
IDFG will be answering any questions the public might have, as well as providing updates, on Tuesday, October 8 from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. at the U.S. Forest Service Bonners Ferry Ranger District Office.
