Deer found near Bonners Ferry tests positive for chronic wasting disease

BONNERS FERRY — A dead white-tailed deer in Boundary County has tested positive for chronic wasting disease, marking the first known case of the disease in North Idaho.  

According to Idaho Fish and Game, the dead deer was found by a landowner about three miles outside of Bonners Ferry in early July. CWD affects members of the deer family and is always fatal to animals that become infected, causing brain degeneration and emaciation to the infected body.

Now, Idaho Fish and Game will prioritize detecting and minimizing potential spread of the disease to maintain healthy big game populations, a Fish and Game press release said.

“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.” 

Chronic wasting disease was detected for the first time in Idaho in 2021.

Fish and Game is asking hunters to have any deer and elk hunted in North Idaho to be tested for the disease. This can be done at any Fish and Game regional office or drop-off location.  

Any roadkill elk or deer along the Highway 95 corridor from Bonners Ferry to the Canadian border, or along Highway 2 from Bonners Ferry to the Montana state line should be reported, the release said.

Any deer or elk observed to be acting unusual or sick in Boundary County should also be reported at 208-769-1414.