1. (1) Any person or laboratory that suspects or diagnoses CWD in a domesticated elk in Utah shall notify the state veterinarian immediately.

2. (2) The state veterinarian shall promptly investigate any domesticated elk reported as CWD-positive or CWD-suspect by:

   1. (a) conducting an epidemiologic investigation that includes the designation of suspect domesticated elk and exposed domesticated elk and that identifies animals to be traced;
   2. (b) performing traces to trace back and trace forward herds; and
   3. (c) reporting any out-of-state traces to the appropriate state promptly after receipt of notification of a CWD-positive animal.

3. (3) Within 30 days of the date that a CWD-suspect or CWD-positive domesticated elk is reported to the department, the state veterinarian shall provide written notice to an owner of a domesticated elk facility of:

   1. (a) the status of the animal disease traceability investigation, including any findings; and
   2. (b) the owner's right to appeal.
4. (4) The state veterinarian shall develop a written herd plan for each elk facility with a CWD-positive animal or CWD-exposed animal, with input from the herd owner and USDA, to outline the steps to manage CWD on that facility.

5. (5) A herd plan shall require the herd owner to:

   1. (a) immediately report any signs of central nervous system disease in herd animals to the state veterinarian; and
   2. (b) maintain records of the acquisition and disposition of any animals entering or leaving the herd, including those that die from any cause.

6. (6) A herd plan may also contain additional requirements to prevent or control the spread of CWD, which include:

   1. (a) requiring a facility to remain free of cervids for a specified time after removing CWD-positive, exposed, or suspect animals from the premises;
   2. (b) requiring depopulation or selective culling of animals;
   3. (c) restricting the sharing and movement of equipment; and
   4. (d) establishing biosecurity requirements, including cleaning and disinfection.

7. (7) An elk owner may move elk from a positive farm to an elk ranch or official slaughter facility, and the elk owner shall ensure that:

   1. (a) movements comply with Section R58-18-7; and
   2. (b) elk moved to an official slaughter facility undergo CWD testing.
8. (8) The state veterinarian may revise a herd plan at any time in consultation with the herd owner in response to changes in the herd or premises, or improvements in understanding the nature of CWD epidemiology or techniques to prevent its spread.

KEY: chronic wasting disease, elk, inspections, domesticated elk facility, domesticated elk, licensing

Date of Last Change: October 22, 2025

Notice of Continuation: December 28, 2021

Authorizing, and Implemented or Interpreted Law: 4-39-106; 4-39-303(6)