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Potential Effects of Chronic Wasting Disease and Supplemental Feeding on Elk Populations in Wyoming

Fact Sheet 2024-3046
Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program and Environmental Health Program
Prepared in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
By:  and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/fs20243046

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Introduction

In 2023, the U.S. Geological Survey, in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, evaluated the costs and benefits of supplemental elk (Cervus elaphus canadensis) feeding in western Wyoming. Elk supplemental feeding is intended to maintain elk populations in the winter and limit elk damage to private property. Supplemental feeding is also used to minimize the transmission of brucellosis (Brucella abortus) from elk to cattle. If brucellosis is detected in cattle, the U.S. Department of Agriculture requires that the entire herd be euthanized or placed in quarantine until the herd passes several negative tests for the disease. However, supplemental feeding may enhance the transmission and effects of chronic wasting disease (CWD), which has no treatment or vaccine, is always fatal, and can remain infectious in the environment for many years. Key findings from the U.S. Geological Survey evaluation help assess the costs and benefits of four supplemental elk feeding alternatives and their potential implications for the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.

Suggested Citation

Cross, P.C., and Wojtowicz, T.G., 2025, Potential effects of chronic wasting disease and supplemental feeding on elk populations in Wyoming: U.S. Geological Survey Fact Sheet 2024–3046, 4 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/fs20243046.

ISSN: 2327-6932 (online)

Study Area

Table of Contents

  • Introduction
  • Background
  • Defining the Issue—Structured Decision Making
  • Study Results
  • References Cited
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Potential effects of chronic wasting disease and supplemental feeding on elk populations in Wyoming
Series title Fact Sheet
Series number 2024-3046
DOI 10.3133/fs20243046
Year Published 2025
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston VA
Contributing office(s) Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center
Description 4 p.
Country United States
State Wyoming
Online Only (Y/N) Y
Additional Online Files (Y/N) N
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details