Utah House passes bill to pause elk import amid chronic wasting disease concerns
January 18, 2023 | 2023 Utah Legislature, Utah Legislature, Utah Legislative Branch, Utah
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The Utah House of Representatives convened on January 18, 2023, to discuss several key issues, with a significant focus on House Bill 45 concerning chronic wasting disease (CWD) in domesticated elk.
Representative Stratton introduced the bill, highlighting the importance of addressing CWD, a disease that affects large wildlife and can severely impact the health of elk. In Utah, there are 34 domestic elk facilities, including farms and zoos, housing approximately 4,000 elk, compared to a wild herd of about 85,000. The disease can only be diagnosed through a tissue test, which poses challenges for managing the health of these animals.
The bill aims to pause the importation of elk from Canada, where CWD has been a recurring issue, allowing the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF) to explore alternative sources for elk, particularly from the eastern United States. This measure is intended to provide clarity to state veterinarians and stakeholders regarding legislative intent and management of elk health.
Following a brief discussion, House Bill 45 passed unanimously with 73 votes in favor and none against. The bill will now move to the Senate for further consideration.
In addition to the legislative discussions, the House chamber will be closed later in the day for preparations for the upcoming State of the State address. Representatives were reminded of various events, including Local Officials Day and an evening gathering at the Governor's Mansion.
The session concluded with an announcement that there would be no afternoon floor time, and the House will reconvene on January 19 at 11 AM.
Representative Stratton introduced the bill, highlighting the importance of addressing CWD, a disease that affects large wildlife and can severely impact the health of elk. In Utah, there are 34 domestic elk facilities, including farms and zoos, housing approximately 4,000 elk, compared to a wild herd of about 85,000. The disease can only be diagnosed through a tissue test, which poses challenges for managing the health of these animals.
The bill aims to pause the importation of elk from Canada, where CWD has been a recurring issue, allowing the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF) to explore alternative sources for elk, particularly from the eastern United States. This measure is intended to provide clarity to state veterinarians and stakeholders regarding legislative intent and management of elk health.
Following a brief discussion, House Bill 45 passed unanimously with 73 votes in favor and none against. The bill will now move to the Senate for further consideration.
In addition to the legislative discussions, the House chamber will be closed later in the day for preparations for the upcoming State of the State address. Representatives were reminded of various events, including Local Officials Day and an evening gathering at the Governor's Mansion.
The session concluded with an announcement that there would be no afternoon floor time, and the House will reconvene on January 19 at 11 AM.
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