Armstrong Sponsors Legislation to Research and Manage the Spread of Chronic Wasting Disease

Press Release

Recently, Congressman Kelly Armstrong (R-ND) co-sponsored the bipartisan Chronic Wasting Disease Research and Management Act, introduced by Congressmen Ron Kind (D-WI) and Glenn "GT" Thompson (R-PA). This bill will improve research and management of the spread of chronic wasting disease (CWD), a contagious, neurological disease affecting cervids -- deer, elk, and moose -- that is always fatal.

"CWD is a serious threat to deer herds in North Dakota and across our country," said Congressman Armstrong. "The Chronic Wasting Disease Research and Management Act brings scientists, local officials, and hunters to the table to help manage and prevent the spread of CWD. It is important that we better understand the implications of this disease for the well-being of wildlife and to preserve our state's hunting heritage for generations to come."

There is no known cure for CWD and it's unclear how the disease is transmitted. As of August 2021, CWD has been confirmed in 25 states, and there are serious concerns that the disease will continue to spread to herds across the country. The bill authorizes $70 million annually from Fiscal Year 2022 through Fiscal Year 2028 for research and management of chronic wasting disease, with the money to be split evenly between the two purposes. These funds will be administered through cooperative agreements.

The Chronic Wasting Disease Research and Management Act is also supported by several wildlife and sportsmen organizations, including: the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation (CSF), Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership (TRCP), National Wildlife Federation (NWF), Boone & Crockett, National Deer Association (NDA), North American Deer Farmers Association (NADeFA), Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF), and the Mule Deer Foundation.

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