Hunting may be a necessary tool for managing the spread of chronic wasting disease (CWD). A study published last month by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) in partnership with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD), suggests that “hunting male deer in greater numbers over many years” could help slow the spread, Buckrail reports.

“The disease has been implicated in the declines of deer and elk in several states, including in Wyoming mule deer herds, where the percent of animals infected can exceed 50%,” the USGS wrote in its study. “The disease spreads easily through the environment from infected deer droppings, urine and saliva, and there are no vaccines or treatments, making it difficult to control.”

Researchers analyzed CWD trends in 10 different mule deer herds across central and eastern Wyoming, taking into account the variance in hunting pressure. They were also analyzed 20 years of data gathered by WGFD to look at how increased hunting pressure impacted the prevalence of the disease. 

“We found that harvesting a high proportion of the adult males in the herd — around 40% every year for 20 years — is expected to keep chronic wasting disease at pretty low numbers,” said Wynne Moss, lead author and USGS scientist. “If this high level of hunting pressure is applied consistently (over 20 years), less than 5% of the males on average are expected to be infected. On the other hand, a lower level of hunting pressure, 20% of adult males harvested per year, would result in a much higher prevalence of around 30%.”

Researchers also determined that while harvesting more bucks in a short period of time – three consecutive years – would still slow the disease, it wouldn’t be as effective compared to harvesting high numbers over a span of multiple decades.

“Our results suggest that the use of hunting is a promising, scientifically supported way to manage chronic wasting disease; however, it is important to note that this approach is more likely to slow the disease down than eradicate it,” said Paul Cross, co-author on the study and USGS scientist. “This study provides important evidence about the effects of hunting on wildlife disease management for deer.”

If you want to read the paper, which was published in Ecological Applications, click here.