"Preventing Disease Outbreak: Hunters Urged to Test and Dispose of Game Properly"

Oregon wildlife officials are urging hunters to test deer and elk meat for chronic wasting disease, a fatal disease that affects cervid animals such as deer, elk, and moose. The disease was detected in northern Idaho, just 30 miles from the Oregon border, raising concerns about its potential spread. Hunters can have their meat tested at check stations, taxidermists, and meat processing facilities. While there is currently no evidence of humans contracting the disease from infected animals, precautions are advised due to the risk of other diseases caused by similar prions.