RAWLINS, Wyo. (AP) — A contagious disease fatal to deer, elk and moose has been confirmed by Wyoming wildlife officials.

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department disease laboratory in Laramie tested a mule deer found by wildlife officials about 15 miles northwest of Baggs and confirmed Chronic Wasting Disease was present.

Research is showing that people as well as domestic livestock like cattle can resist natural transmission.

In deer, elk and moose, Chronic Wasting Disease deteriorates the brain and causes a loss of body condition and weight loss, as well as excessive drooling and behavior similar to Alzheimer's.

Game and Fish spokesman Renny MacKay says usually, like in this instance, the disease shows up in new hunt areas near other confirmed cases.

 

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