WAC 220-413-030 Importation and retention of dead nonresident wildlife

Purpose of the proposal and its anticipated effects, including any changes in existing rules:

The purpose of this proposal is to broaden the restriction on importing or possessing deer, elk, carabao or moose carcasses or parts that originate from outside Washington to prevent the introduction of chronic wasting disease, a fatal neurologic disease of cervids. This change will restrict the importation and possession of deer, elk, or moose carcasses or parts from any out of state origin, except when specific criteria for processing of carcasses or parts are met.

Reasons supporting proposal:

Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is a fatal neurologic disease of cervids that is not currently known to be present in Washington. There is no cure for CWD and, once established within a free ranging population, the disease threatens cervid population sustainability. The best management practice available is the prevention of CWD emergence in new areas. Currently, importation of deer, elk or moose harvested outside of Washington is restricted for only those states and provinces where CWD is known to occur. Unfortunately, many states and provinces have insufficient surveillance practices to detect CWD early, which may result in the inadvertent importation of CWD into Washington.