275 dead elk in Wyoming (so far)

[Myles]

Wyoming: Biologists Investigating Mysterious Elk Deaths

Author: Wyoming Game and Fish Department

RAWLINS, Wyo. -- 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.

Found this on Cabela's site
http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/te...y_elk_news0301

hope they find the cause soon

[2 bit Hook'r]

WOW!!!!!
Just wanted to say thanks on two fronts. First of all thank you for sharing news with others who might not otherwise be aware, we hate to hear about these situations, but like to keep up on our wildlife.
Secondly, thank you for mentioning Cabela's as your source. Like many of us, I shop Cabela's often, but had no idea that they had this stuff on thier web page. I'll have to check them out better. Thanks again.

[dla]

Hmmm, remember when the Army tested/leaked nerve gas in the 70's?

Brings to mind all sorts of theories.

[Drakeblake]

This is terrible if it is in fact CWD (which I doubt it is) we really need to get the ball rolling to find out what we need to do about it. Some areas will soon be too far gone and the only thing left to do will be to start from scratch. I wonder if there are any elk being raised in the area by farmers? That could be bad. It's no good anyway you look at it.

-blake

[Washington Hunter]

CWD had already been ruled out as a cause, and so have all the other usual things that could have caused this. It's a mystery for now. Actually sounds like they may never know what happened.

[gottafish]

Any update????

[I've got dinner]

I heard on the radio last week that there was a report of an earthquake in WY on the wire for a few hours that was pulled. The story also mentioned these elk. Sounds like weapons testing to me...

[Salmo trutta]

Biologists think the culprit could be a species of Lichen that was found in the stomachs of all the elf. In other words they died of food poisoning. They also found reference of a similar instance 50 years ago in cattle.

[jokester]

Biologists think the culprit could be a species of Lichen that was found in the stomachs of all the elf.

<font size="2" face="verdana,arial,helv">WHAT?? :shocked: First 275 dead elk and now there's elves in Wyoming too??? :grin:

I know what you meant...just funnin' with ya Salmo trutta

-jokester

[ 03-17-2004, 01:21 PM: Message edited by: jokester ]

[Chrome Bumper]

You beat me jokester

[James in Idaho]

Confirmed yesterday as lichens. This herd was migrating through, and did not have the right "stuff" to digest this lichen. Local elk were not harmed.