RMEF Commits $100,000 to CWD Research – Chronic Wasting Disease
Adam Scepaniak 09.06.23
The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF) is known for doing tremendous charitable works that restore wildlands to be more suitable habitats for wildlife as well as help innumerable species of animals beyond the elk that they are known for. Additional work that they accomplish is centered around things like Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) research to curb the spread and existence of this deadly disease to game animals.
Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF) Coverage on AllOutdoor
- RMEF Gives $10.7 Million to Wyoming Elk, Mule Deer, and Other Wildlife
- RMEF & Partners Donate $7.8 Million to Rehab Wildfire-Charred Forests
- RMEF Helps Expand Montana’s Mount Haggin Wildlife Management Area
- RMEF Donates $3.3 Million to Oregon for Wildfire Rehab, Habitat Work
Missoula, Montona – Furthering efforts to promote the scientific understanding and management of chronic wasting disease, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation committed $100,000 to two research endeavors.
One study, in conjunction with the University of Tennessee CWD Working Group, aims to develop a CWD test for live animals. The other seeks to measure the CWD prevalence among elk in the Black Hills of South Dakota.
“There are many more questions than answers related to this mysterious and deadly wildlife disease,” said Blake Henning, RMEF chief conservation officer. “This research has great potential to shape how biologists can better manage CWD’s impact on wildlife.”
Development of a live CWD test (University of Tennessee)
- Research to develop a rapid and sensitive platform for detection of CWD prions in live animal samples. Results could help state wildlife agencies evaluate prevalence and improve management including test-and-cull actions.
CWD prevalence in the Black Hills (South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks)
- A scientific study assessing the environmental prevalence of CWD among elk in high-use areas in the Black Hills and its possible impact on reproduction, survival and population growth.
RMEF is a founding member and sponsor of the Chronic Wasting Disease Alliance. Along with other partners, RMEF more recently created the CWD Applied Research Program in 2019, which brings together top CWD researchers and managers to identify the highest priority research that will impact CWD management.
Since 1995, RMEF supplied more than $800,000, including $100,000 in 2022, to state agencies and other partners for CWD surveillance, management, research and outreach. This additional $100,000 commitment is impressive and commendable because it should go a ling ways to helping elk and many other species of game animals. As always, let us know all of your thoughts in the Comments below! We always appreciate your feedback.
