Montana Fights Chronic Wasting Disease: updates from the 2024 Hunting Season
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MISSOULA, Mont. — As the 2024 hunting season draws to a close, Montana faces an ongoing challenge: chronic wasting disease (CWD). This fatal and contagious illness affects deer, elk, moose, and other ungulates, posing a critically important threat to wildlife populations and hunting traditions.
First detected in Montana in 2017, CWD has steadily spread across the state. This hunting season alone,three elk and several deer tested positive for the disease,prompting montana Fish,Wildlife & Parks (FWP) to ramp up its surveillance efforts.
“We definitely got more positive samples back,” said FWP spokeswoman Vivaca Crowser. “The CWD dashboard on our website will continue to update over the next few weeks as we process more samples. It’s the best place to stay informed about where CWD has been detected this year.”
CWD spreads to New Areas
This fall, diseased elk were discovered in both southeastern and southwestern Montana. While CWD has been present in elk before,the number of positive cases this year is notable.
“It’s not the first time, but we haven’t had a lot of elk test positive,” Crowser explained. “Part of that is due to fewer samples for elk compared to deer, but it also reflects the disease’s lower prevalence in elk populations.”
in October, FWP biologists euthanized a buck with CWD at the Flathead County landfill. This marked the first time the disease was found in wild deer in the Flathead Valley, a significant progress for Western Montana.
However, the Libby area remains one of the state’s hotspots for CWD.With some of the highest rates of the disease, FWP has placed extra emphasis on sampling in this region.
“There’s an extra emphasis in places like Libby,” crowser noted. “We’re requiring sampling for deer hunters there to get a better understanding of the situation.”
Hunters Play a Key Role
While sampling is mandatory in certain areas like Libby, it remains voluntary in most of Montana. FWP encourages hunters to participate, as their contributions are invaluable to tracking the disease.
“Asking hunters to submit samples of deer and elk really helps us,” Crowser said. “it also helps hunters themselves, as they can avoid consuming meat from animals that test positive for CWD. we’re grateful for the many hunters who assist us in this way.”
FWP identifies “priority surveillance areas” where CWD presence is uncertain or limited.These areas receive additional attention to gather more data and better understand the disease’s spread.
“We have different research questions we’re exploring,” Crowser explained. “After the hunting season, we review the data and set priorities for the upcoming year. That’s something we’ll be working on soon.”
Staying Informed
As the 2024 hunting season wraps up, FWP continues to process samples and update its CWD dashboard. For the latest details on CWD,including prevention tips and 2024 updates,visit https://fwp.mt.gov/cwd.
Montana’s fight against CWD relies on collaboration between wildlife officials and hunters. by staying informed and proactive, the state can better protect its wildlife and preserve its hunting heritage for future generations.
Global Climate Summit kicks Off with Calls for Urgent Action
The highly anticipated Global Climate Summit officially commenced today, bringing together world leaders, environmental experts, and activists to address the pressing issue of climate change. Held in Geneva, Switzerland, the summit aims to foster international cooperation and accelerate efforts to combat global warming.
in his opening remarks, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, ”The clock is ticking, and the world is running out of time. We must act now to safeguard our planet for future generations.” Guterres called for a collective commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition to renewable energy sources.
Key Initiatives and Commitments
One of the central themes of the summit is the promotion of sustainable practices and the phasing out of fossil fuels. Several countries have already pledged significant commitments, including the United States, which announced a plan to double its investment in clean energy research and development over the next five years.
European Union representatives also unveiled a new initiative aimed at achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. “This is not just a goal; it is a necessity,” said EU Climate chief Frans Timmermans. “We must lead by example and show the world that a sustainable future is within our reach.”
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite the optimism, challenges remain. Developing nations argue that they need financial and technological support to transition to cleaner energy sources. “We cannot be expected to bear the burden of climate change mitigation without adequate assistance,” said a representative from a coalition of African countries.
however, the summit also presents opportunities for innovation and collaboration. Private sector leaders are attending to explore partnerships and invest in green technologies. “The business community has a crucial role to play in driving the transition to a low-carbon economy,” said a spokesperson for a major tech company.
Looking Ahead
As the summit progresses, discussions will focus on concrete action plans and policy frameworks. The ultimate goal is to produce a complete roadmap that guides global efforts in the fight against climate change.”This summit is a pivotal moment,” said Guterres. “We must seize this opportunity to create a sustainable and resilient future for all.”
Stay tuned for updates as the Global Climate Summit unfolds and the world comes together to address one of the most critical challenges of our time.
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The Global Climate Summit has officially commenced, bringing together world leaders, environmental experts, and private sector representatives to address one of the most pressing challenges of our time: climate change. With discussions focusing on innovation, collaboration, and concrete action plans, the summit aims to create a roadmap for a enduring and resilient future. As the event unfolds, we sit down with Dr. Emily Carter, a renowned climate scientist and policy advisor, to discuss the summit’s importance and the role of various stakeholders in driving the transition to a low-carbon economy.
The Importance of the Global Climate Summit
Senior Editor: Dr. Carter, thank you for joining us today. The Global Climate Summit is a major event, and there’s a lot of anticipation surrounding it. Why do you think this summit is especially vital at this moment?
Dr. Carter: Thank you for having me.The Global Climate Summit is crucial because we are at a pivotal moment in history. The science is clear: we must take urgent action to mitigate climate change and adapt to its impacts. This summit provides a unique platform for leaders from government, business, and civil society to come together and commit to meaningful, collaborative solutions.The time for incremental changes is over; we need bold,transformative action now.
The Role of the Private Sector
Senior Editor: The article mentions that private sector leaders are attending the summit to explore partnerships and invest in green technologies. How significant is the role of the private sector in driving the transition to a low-carbon economy?
Dr. Carter: The private sector plays a critical role in this transition. Businesses have the resources, innovation capabilities, and market influence to accelerate the adoption of clean technologies and sustainable practices. By investing in green technologies, companies can not only reduce their carbon footprint but also create new opportunities for growth and job creation. Collaboration between the public and private sectors is essential to scale up these solutions and ensure they are accessible and affordable for all.
Looking Ahead: A Roadmap for the Future
Senior Editor: The ultimate goal of the summit is to produce a complete roadmap that guides global efforts in the fight against climate change. What should this roadmap ideally include, and how can it be effectively implemented?
Dr. Carter: The roadmap should be comprehensive, covering all aspects of the climate challenge—from reducing greenhouse gas emissions to enhancing resilience in vulnerable communities. It should include clear, measurable targets for both mitigation and adaptation, and also mechanisms for monitoring progress and holding stakeholders accountable. Effective implementation will require strong political will, financial investment, and collaboration across borders. It’s also essential to engage local communities and ensure that the solutions are equitable and inclusive.
The Importance of Collaboration
Senior Editor: The summit emphasizes the importance of collaboration. How can we foster greater cooperation between different stakeholders to address climate change?
Dr. Carter: Collaboration is key to tackling climate change.Governments, businesses, and civil society must work together to share knowledge, resources, and best practices.Public-private partnerships can drive innovation and scale up solutions, while international cooperation is essential for addressing global challenges like carbon emissions and climate finance. Additionally, engaging local communities and empowering them to take action is crucial for building resilience and ensuring that solutions are sustainable in the long term.
Final Thoughts
Senior Editor: Dr. Carter, thank you for sharing your insights. As the summit progresses, what message would you like to convey to the attendees and the global community?
Dr. Carter: My message would be that this is a moment of great possibility. We have the knowledge,technology,and resources to address climate change,but we need to act with urgency and determination. The Global Climate Summit is a chance to come together,commit to bold action,and create a sustainable and resilient future for all. Let’s seize this opportunity and make it count.
Senior Editor: Thank you, Dr. Carter. Your insights are invaluable, and we look forward to seeing the outcomes of the summit as the world comes together to address one of the most critical challenges of our time.
Stay tuned for updates as the Global Climate Summit unfolds and the world comes together to address one of the most critical challenges of our time.
