In a proactive measure to safeguard public health, Idaho Fish and Game has taken decisive action by removing over 80 mule deer from an elk facility. This move was prompted by reports of deer entering the facility through fence gaps during the 2025 hunting season. The agency's swift response aimed to prevent the potential spread of chronic wasting disease (CWD), a condition with no reliable testing methods for live animals. The deer were humanely removed, with all individuals tested for CWD, and the meat from 76 of them tested negative. Fish and Game, in collaboration with local hunters and the Department of Agriculture, ensured that the meat from the affected deer would be safely processed and donated to local food banks, addressing both the health and welfare concerns while promoting community support.
