Draper Lunchtime Expedition: Chronic Wasting Disease in the Big Horn Basin
February 5 @ 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm MST
Draper Lunchtime Expedition
Coe Auditorium
Thursday, February 5, 12 Noon
Free Admission
From sagebrush-steppe to alpine forests, the Big Horn Basin supports thriving mule deer, white-tailed deer, and elk herds that have adapted to the region’s diverse landscapes through a range of movement strategies. Today, however, these populations face a growing threat from Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD)—a contagious and always fatal illness caused by infectious prion proteins that damage the nervous system and persist in the environment for years.
This presentation explores the science behind CWD, the importance of surveillance and monitoring, and the challenges wildlife managers face in slowing its spread. Moving from laboratory research to real-world application, it offers valuable insight for sportsmen, wildlife enthusiasts, and anyone invested in preserving the Big Horn Basin’s wildlife for future generations.
About the Speaker:
Austin Wieseler is a Regional Wildlife Biologist with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department in the Cody Region. Previously, he served as a Wildlife Health Biologist for Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks, focusing on disease surveillance and management. He holds degrees in Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences and Wildlife Science from South Dakota State University. His work centers on the intersection of wildlife research, population management, and wildlife health. Outside of work, he enjoys hunting, fishing, camping, and exploring the backcountry.
