elk deaths a mystery so far in Wyoming
02-27-2004, 08:50 PM
#1
Nontypical Buck
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elk deaths a mystery so far in Wyoming
First article
RAWLINS -- The mysterious deaths of elk southwest of Rawlins continue to rise as officials from the Wyoming Game and Fish Department search a rugged 20 square mile area southwest of here. As of Wednesday, Feb. 25, the death toll stood at 275 elk, of which only a few are bulls. Most are cows and calves in good condition.
“At this point, it looks like infectious disease is unlikely and for that reason we are more suspicious of toxins,” said Walt Cook, wildlife veterinarian with G&F. The Wyoming State Veterinary Laboratory and G&F veterinarians are working to narrow the potential causes of death. All of the elk exhibit similar symptoms, particularly the inability to move.
The discovery of dying elk was initially reported to the department on Feb. 8 when a coyote hunter found two elk approximately 15 miles from Rawlins that were alive, but unable to move. Since that time, officials have found dozens of dead and dying elk using an airplane and searching the area on foot and four-wheelers.
“They are alert, but they just have no strength,” said Kent Schmidlin, Lander region wildlife supervisor. “When we find them, they are lying down on the ground, but they can’t get up, almost like they are paralyzed in their lower extremities.”
About ten of the dead elk are being analyzed in the state vet lab to determine the cause of death and all avenues are being explored. Tissue, rumen, plant, soil and water samples have been taken to try to explain the bizarre die-off.
“Right now, we are asking folks to stay out of the area so we can do our investigation and find out what is killing these elk,” said Joe Nemick, the lead wildlife biologist in the region. The dying elk are in elk hunting unit 108.
RAWLINS -- The mysterious deaths of elk southwest of Rawlins continue to rise as officials from the Wyoming Game and Fish Department search a rugged 20 square mile area southwest of here. As of Wednesday, Feb. 25, the death toll stood at 275 elk, of which only a few are bulls. Most are cows and calves in good condition.
“At this point, it looks like infectious disease is unlikely and for that reason we are more suspicious of toxins,” said Walt Cook, wildlife veterinarian with G&F. The Wyoming State Veterinary Laboratory and G&F veterinarians are working to narrow the potential causes of death. All of the elk exhibit similar symptoms, particularly the inability to move.
The discovery of dying elk was initially reported to the department on Feb. 8 when a coyote hunter found two elk approximately 15 miles from Rawlins that were alive, but unable to move. Since that time, officials have found dozens of dead and dying elk using an airplane and searching the area on foot and four-wheelers.
“They are alert, but they just have no strength,” said Kent Schmidlin, Lander region wildlife supervisor. “When we find them, they are lying down on the ground, but they can’t get up, almost like they are paralyzed in their lower extremities.”
About ten of the dead elk are being analyzed in the state vet lab to determine the cause of death and all avenues are being explored. Tissue, rumen, plant, soil and water samples have been taken to try to explain the bizarre die-off.
“Right now, we are asking folks to stay out of the area so we can do our investigation and find out what is killing these elk,” said Joe Nemick, the lead wildlife biologist in the region. The dying elk are in elk hunting unit 108.
02-27-2004, 08:51 PM
#2
Nontypical Buck
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RE: elk deaths a mystery so far in Wyoming
second article
Several Causes Ruled Out as Elk Death Total Reaches 275
2/27/2004
RAWLINS – Laboratory tests and analysis have conclusively ruled out several causes, including chronic wasting disease, some insecticides and a variety of metals, in the mysterious deaths of elk southwest of Rawlins. Through Thursday afternoon, Feb. 26, the death total had grown to 275.
The work being done by the Wyoming State Veterinary Laboratory and Game and Fish Department has also eliminated poisoning from salt, nitrates and sulfates.
“There are still many potential causes to investigate,” said Walt Cook, G&F wildlife veterinarian. “We are all working feverishly, so we can identify the cause and hopefully address the situation in the field to keep more elk from dying.”
Some outside laboratories, with specific capabilities in potential causes, are also being contracted to help with the project.
The WSVL has also eliminated bacterial and common viral infections, tick paralysis and meningeal and carotid artery worm as causes. In addition the lab has ruled out lead and mercury poisoning, selenium toxicity and many of the common plant toxins.
“Toxins of some sort still seem to be the most likely cause, but every possible cause is being examined,” Cook said. “Preliminary tests on four water sources have not revealed anything that would cause these signs in elk.”
All of the elk exhibit similar signs, particularly the inability to move. Some animals have lesions on their hind leg muscles, but veterinarians believe the sore muscles are the result of being down for extended periods.
If suitable animals are located, the G&F is going to attempt to transport some ailing elk to the state vet lab for treatments not practical in the field.
The discovery of dying elk was initially reported to the department on Feb. 8 when a coyote hunter found two elk approximately 15 miles from Rawlins that were alive, but unable to move. Since that time, officials have found dozens of dead and dying elk using an airplane and searching the area on foot and four-wheelers.
“They are alert, but they just have no strength,” said Kent Schmidlin, Lander region wildlife supervisor. “When we find them, they are lying down on the ground, but they can’t get up, almost like they are paralyzed in their lower extremities.”
About ten of the dead elk are being analyzed in the state vet lab to determine the cause of death and all avenues are being explored. Tissue, rumen, plant, soil and water samples have been taken to try to explain the bizarre die-off.
Several Causes Ruled Out as Elk Death Total Reaches 275
2/27/2004
RAWLINS – Laboratory tests and analysis have conclusively ruled out several causes, including chronic wasting disease, some insecticides and a variety of metals, in the mysterious deaths of elk southwest of Rawlins. Through Thursday afternoon, Feb. 26, the death total had grown to 275.
The work being done by the Wyoming State Veterinary Laboratory and Game and Fish Department has also eliminated poisoning from salt, nitrates and sulfates.
“There are still many potential causes to investigate,” said Walt Cook, G&F wildlife veterinarian. “We are all working feverishly, so we can identify the cause and hopefully address the situation in the field to keep more elk from dying.”
Some outside laboratories, with specific capabilities in potential causes, are also being contracted to help with the project.
The WSVL has also eliminated bacterial and common viral infections, tick paralysis and meningeal and carotid artery worm as causes. In addition the lab has ruled out lead and mercury poisoning, selenium toxicity and many of the common plant toxins.
“Toxins of some sort still seem to be the most likely cause, but every possible cause is being examined,” Cook said. “Preliminary tests on four water sources have not revealed anything that would cause these signs in elk.”
All of the elk exhibit similar signs, particularly the inability to move. Some animals have lesions on their hind leg muscles, but veterinarians believe the sore muscles are the result of being down for extended periods.
If suitable animals are located, the G&F is going to attempt to transport some ailing elk to the state vet lab for treatments not practical in the field.
The discovery of dying elk was initially reported to the department on Feb. 8 when a coyote hunter found two elk approximately 15 miles from Rawlins that were alive, but unable to move. Since that time, officials have found dozens of dead and dying elk using an airplane and searching the area on foot and four-wheelers.
“They are alert, but they just have no strength,” said Kent Schmidlin, Lander region wildlife supervisor. “When we find them, they are lying down on the ground, but they can’t get up, almost like they are paralyzed in their lower extremities.”
About ten of the dead elk are being analyzed in the state vet lab to determine the cause of death and all avenues are being explored. Tissue, rumen, plant, soil and water samples have been taken to try to explain the bizarre die-off.
02-27-2004, 10:38 PM
#3
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: , Wy USA
Posts: 2,415
RE: elk deaths a mystery so far in Wyoming
thanks for the post Jorgy -heard a lill about the above - but didnt know it was so many animals involved.
Sure dosnt sound good! Whatever it is, hope they get it figured out.
A new form/ varient on cwd/mc etc? They didnt mention those , so i guess not.
Sure dosnt sound good! Whatever it is, hope they get it figured out.
A new form/ varient on cwd/mc etc? They didnt mention those , so i guess not.
02-28-2004, 06:45 AM
#4
Typical Buck
Join Date: Jan 2004
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Posts: 549
RE: elk deaths a mystery so far in Wyoming
It worry's me to death. Of course animals will have disease run through them and the stronger will survive. But such a drastic loss of life could but the animal on an endangered list for a while. Colorado has been running all these drought and overpopulation tags for elk the last couple of years. Its not smart in my opinion. At this stage of the game why not let the animals tell you they are in trouble and then take measures. When the elk come down into the ranch lands or flat ground in massive numbers then your over populated. Some areas are not like that and they need to wake up. Besides if disease does wipe out herds in certain areas wouldn't it be nice to take some elk out of one area and be able to stock another area that had trouble. Just my two cents.
02-28-2004, 07:28 AM
#5
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Jun 2003
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RE: elk deaths a mystery so far in Wyoming
Jorgy
Thanks for posting the first & second article. I read the first article in the newspaper two days ago. I have not found any new information on this until you posted it.
Thanks again & please keep us updated if you can.
Thanks for posting the first & second article. I read the first article in the newspaper two days ago. I have not found any new information on this until you posted it.
Thanks again & please keep us updated if you can.
02-28-2004, 11:05 PM
#6
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: south western, wy USA
Posts: 496
RE: elk deaths a mystery so far in Wyoming
When the elk come down into the ranch lands or flat ground in massive numbers then your over populated. Some areas are not like that and they need to wake up.
they are updateing the wy game and fish web site periodically on the elk die off if any one is interested both stories are there also
03-01-2004, 09:28 AM
#7
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Elizabeth Colo. USA
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RE: elk deaths a mystery so far in Wyoming
Besides if disease does wipe out herds in certain areas wouldn't it be nice to take some elk out of one area and be able to stock another area that had trouble.
03-01-2004, 11:24 AM
#8
Typical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Cedar Valley Utah
Posts: 977
RE: elk deaths a mystery so far in Wyoming
Colorado has been running all these drought and overpopulation tags for elk the last couple of years. Its not smart in my opinion. At this stage of the game why not let the animals tell you they are in trouble and then take measures. When the elk come down into the ranch lands or flat ground in massive numbers then your over populated.
03-03-2004, 07:17 AM
#9
Nontypical Buck
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RE: elk deaths a mystery so far in Wyoming
AFFLICTED RAWLINS ELK TRANSPORTED TO STATE VET LAB
3/2/2004
RAWLINS -- Four live elk displaying the loss of leg muscle control that has caused the death of 280 elk southwest of Rawlins since Feb. 8, have been transported to Wyoming State Veterinary Laboratory in Laramie.
Game and Fish Department veterinarians hope they can gain insight into the mysterious malady from observing how the afflicted elk respond to various treatments.
On Sunday, one cow elk was transported by all-terrain-vehicle to a stock trailer and then driven to Laramie. Two cows and one young bull were transported by helicopter to the stock trailer for the drive to the laboratory on Monday.
The weekend’s aerial survey work was hampered by inclement weather.
The WSVL and the G&F continue to direct all available resources to trying to determine the cause for elk deaths.
The discovery of dying elk was initially reported to the department on Feb. 8 when a coyote hunter found two elk approximately 15 miles from Rawlins that were alive, but unable to move. Since that time, officials have found dozens of dead and dying elk using an airplane and searching the area on foot and four-wheelers.
-WGFD-
3/2/2004
RAWLINS -- Four live elk displaying the loss of leg muscle control that has caused the death of 280 elk southwest of Rawlins since Feb. 8, have been transported to Wyoming State Veterinary Laboratory in Laramie.
Game and Fish Department veterinarians hope they can gain insight into the mysterious malady from observing how the afflicted elk respond to various treatments.
On Sunday, one cow elk was transported by all-terrain-vehicle to a stock trailer and then driven to Laramie. Two cows and one young bull were transported by helicopter to the stock trailer for the drive to the laboratory on Monday.
The weekend’s aerial survey work was hampered by inclement weather.
The WSVL and the G&F continue to direct all available resources to trying to determine the cause for elk deaths.
The discovery of dying elk was initially reported to the department on Feb. 8 when a coyote hunter found two elk approximately 15 miles from Rawlins that were alive, but unable to move. Since that time, officials have found dozens of dead and dying elk using an airplane and searching the area on foot and four-wheelers.
-WGFD-
03-05-2004, 09:13 AM
#10
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Stoughton WI USA
Posts: 27
RE: elk deaths a mystery so far in Wyoming
I've heard a few additional things but not sure exactly how accurate they are. 1) They have stopped counting how many elk have died at 280 and are just concentrating on finding the cause. 2) Only one bull (not counting bull calves) has been found dead. 3) There is a herd that is about five-ten miles from where these elk have been found and they have not been at all affected.
The bulls are up higher right now and thus haven't really been affected by this. In that general area 108, 14, 15, 21 (the elk come off the forest) they are at around 6000 elk. The objective I believe is 4500. It is a shame that this many elk have died and especially this many cows, but they will come back. As long as they can figure out the cause of death.
The bulls are up higher right now and thus haven't really been affected by this. In that general area 108, 14, 15, 21 (the elk come off the forest) they are at around 6000 elk. The objective I believe is 4500. It is a shame that this many elk have died and especially this many cows, but they will come back. As long as they can figure out the cause of death.