2017 Montana Legislature

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 9

INTRODUCED BY M. PHILLIPS

A JOINT RESOLUTION OF THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MONTANA REQUESTING AN INTERIM STUDY OF THE POTENTIAL IMPACTS OF AND METHODS TO PREVENT CHRONIC WASTING DISEASE IN MONTANA.

WHEREAS, chronic wasting disease (CWD) is a disease of the nervous system that can affect deer, elk, and moose, for which there is no known treatment, and that is typically fatal; and

WHEREAS, CWD is found in more than 20 states, including North and South Dakota and Wyoming and two Canadian provinces, Alberta and Saskatchewan; and

WHEREAS, CWD is contagious and can be transmitted freely within and among free-ranging populations, even by animals that are not yet clinically ill; and

WHEREAS, CWD has an extended incubation period averaging 18 to 24 months between infection and the onset of clinical signs, which include progressive weight loss, decreased social interaction, loss of awareness and fear of humans, increased drinking and urination, and excess salivation; and

WHEREAS, managing CWD in free-ranging populations is extremely difficult, making prevention the best defense.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MONTANA:

That the Legislative Council be requested to designate an appropriate interim committee, pursuant to section 5-5-217, MCA, or direct sufficient staff resources to study and make recommendations regarding:

(1) the potential impacts of CWD on deer, elk, and moose populations and the economy in Montana;

(2) measures to prevent CWD and protect deer, elk, and moose in Montana;

(3) surveillance strategies for detecting CWD; and

(4) management of herds that become infected to prevent the spread of CWD.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that if the study is assigned to staff, any findings or conclusions be presented to and reviewed by an appropriate committee designated by the Legislative Council.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that all aspects of the study, including presentation and review requirements, be concluded prior to September 15, 2018.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the final results of the study, including any findings, conclusions, comments, or recommendations of the appropriate committee, be reported to the 66th Legislature.

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Latest Version of SJ 9 (SJ0009.ENR)
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