Chronic Wasting Disease Draft Action Plan Developed

Seeking Public Comments through May 5, 2019

April 3, 2019

The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) has developed a draft action plan to address Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in deer and elk herds across the state.

"Chronic Wasting Disease, or CWD, is a fatal brain disease found in deer, elk and moose herds," said Chad Switzer, GFP wildlife program administrator. "The disease has been confirmed within free-ranging deer and elk in Custer, Fall River, Lawrence and Pennington counties. The draft action plan includes best management practices and suggestions for modified or new regulations to help slow the spread. We want to hear from resident and nonresident hunters, wildlife watchers, our neighbors and other outdoor enthusiasts about what their concerns are and how we can continue to improve the draft action plan."

GFP is focused on three main management objectives related to CWD: determine presence and absence in high surveillance areas, reduce the spread from known endemic areas, and provide information to help understand, support and participate in CWD management practices.

Individuals can comment on the CWD Draft Action Plan through May 5, 2019.

Submit comments via email to CWDActionPlan@state.sd.us or mail them to 523 E. Capitol Ave., Pierre, S.D. 57501. Comments must include full name and city of residence. To request a printed copy of the draft plan, call 605.773.3387.

Upon completion of the public comment period, an updated plan will be presented to the GFP Commission on June 6 in Pierre.