JACKSON, Wyo. — The National Elk Refuge has confirmed a second case of chronic wasting disease detected in an elk on the refuge and has released an updated response plan outlining ongoing monitoring, management, and surveillance efforts.

The dead elk, estimated to be three to five-years-old, was found in late April and was sent to the Wyoming Game and Fish Department lab for testing, resulting in a second positive test. 

In answer to the second confirmed case, National Elk Refuge has updated their response plan. The updated plan summarizes recent disease trends in northwest Wyoming and outlines actions the refuge is taking to monitor and reduce disease risks. 

Current efforts include daily surveillance of elk during feeding operations, testing of all suitable cervid mortality samples, mandatory testing of hunter harvested elk and white-tailed deer on the refuge, carcass disposal through a high temperature crematory and ongoing collaboration with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department and other partners. 

The announcement follows confirmation of the refuge's first chronic wasting disease case in mid-April. The first elk that tested positive, also estimated to be three to five years old, was humanely euthanized April 15 after refuge biologists observed signs consistent with the disease, including social isolation, poor body condition, and impaired coordination.

A third mortality sample collected on the refuge tested negative for chronic wasting disease, completing laboratory analysis of all mortality samples submitted during spring 2026.

Chronic wasting disease is a fatal neurological disease that affects members of the deer family, including elk, deer, and moose. The disease can spread between animals directly or through contaminated environments. There is no known treatment or cure.

The refuge has created a public chronic wasting disease information page and will provide updates on wildlife mortalities and disease surveillance results.

Additional information, including the updated Chronic Wasting Disease Response Plan, is available on the National Elk Refuge website.