Bill Overview
Title: Chronic Wasting Disease Research and Management Act of 2022
Description: of 2022 This bill directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to address chronic wasting disease afflicting deer, elk, and moose populations. Specifically, the bill directs USDA to establish a program to research and manage the disease. Under the program, USDA must offer to enter into agreements with state or tribal wildlife agencies and departments of agriculture, institutions of higher education, and research centers to support research on the transmission of, resistance to, and diagnosis of the disease. In addition, USDA must offer to enter into agreements with such agencies and departments to support state and tribal efforts to develop and implement management strategies that address the disease. USDA must also develop and maintain materials to inform the public on chronic wasting disease and techniques to help prevent the spread of the disease. In addition, USDA must solicit public feedback on potential updates and improvements to standards of the chronic wasting disease herd certification program.
Sponsors: Sen. Hoeven, John [R-ND]
Target Audience
Population: People globally who are part of communities that depend on or relate to deer, elk, and moose for ecological, economic, or cultural reasons
Estimated Size: 30000000
- Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) affects deer, elk, and moose populations, which are widely distributed across North America and parts of Europe.
- Hunters, wildlife enthusiasts, and local communities may be impacted as CWD can affect the health of animal populations and ecological balance.
- Agricultural communities that depend on wildlife tourism or hunting as part of their economies may be affected if CWD impacts animal populations.
- Native American tribes and rural communities often depend on game animals as a food source, and the disease could impact these resources.
- Researchers and academics focusing on veterinary sciences, wildlife disease management, and related fields will be directly engaged through increased research efforts.
Reasoning
- The general public in rural and suburban areas where deer, elk, and moose are common will have varied levels of awareness and concern, depending on proximity to affected areas or reliance on these species for recreation or livelihood.
- Native American tribes and rural communities are more likely to be impacted due to their cultural and subsistence connection to the wildlife population.
- Farmers and those involved in agriculture near these animal populations may worry about disease spread affecting domestic livestock indirectly.
- Researchers focusing on wildlife health will potentially benefit significantly due to increased funding and policy focus, positively impacting their work.
- Some individuals may see no apparent impact unless the issue becomes more widespread, remaining aloof or indifferent to the policy until a direct effect is evident.
Simulated Interviews
Wildlife Biologist (Minnesota)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy is crucial for addressing the spread of CWD.
- Collaboration between states and USDA is necessary for effective management strategies.
- The increased funding for research will provide much-needed support for ongoing projects.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 4 |
Ranch Owner (Wyoming)
Age: 62 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I hope this policy helps manage the deer populations more effectively around my ranch.
- Public awareness is important; we need more information locally.
- Protecting my cattle from any disease is my primary concern.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 3 |
Outdoor Enthusiast (Utah)
Age: 30 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Hunting is a big part of my life, and CWD threatens it.
- I think this policy is a step forward to preserve wildlife.
- Better management and education about CWD are needed urgently.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 4 |
Farmer (Wisconsin)
Age: 56 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- We hear about these diseases, but they seem distant unless affecting our livestock directly.
- I agree we need more education on this topic, but many farmers like me are just trying to manage day-to-day.
- Unless my crops or cattle are impacted, I don't see a direct effect of this policy.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 4 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 3 |
Retired (Colorado)
Age: 70 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I've watched the local wildlife change, and diseases like this are concerning.
- I'm hopeful the policy helps stabilize the moose and elk population.
- It's a good move to involve local research institutions in tackling CWD.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 3 |
Research Scientist (Oregon)
Age: 38 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The CWD funding will help continue critical research in our lab.
- We need collaborative efforts to tackle this issue successfully.
- The policy is pivotal for driving new discoveries and management approaches.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 10 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 10 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 3 |
Native American Tribe Member (New Mexico)
Age: 29 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy could help protect a vital food resource for our community.
- Our cultural practices are deeply tied to the health of these animal populations.
- I support the policy as it considers tribal collaboration and input.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 3 |
Non-profit Wildlife Advocate (New York)
Age: 48 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Policy like this is necessary and should have come sooner.
- Public awareness and information are key to combating wildlife diseases.
- Supporting wildlife health ultimately supports our ecosystems and communities.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 4 |
Ecotourism Operator (Montana)
Age: 42 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- CWD threatens the wildlife that my business relies on; this new policy is essential.
- Increased research should lead to better health management for these animals.
- I hope this policy will ensure future tourism opportunities are not compromised.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 2 |
City Resident (Texas)
Age: 25 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Honestly, I don't feel this policy impacts me directly right now.
- It's good to know something is being done, but I have other immediate concerns.
- Living in the city, wildlife issues feel a bit remote.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $10000000 (Low: $8000000, High: $12000000)
Year 2: $12000000 (Low: $10000000, High: $14000000)
Year 3: $15000000 (Low: $13000000, High: $17000000)
Year 5: $18000000 (Low: $16000000, High: $20000000)
Year 10: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- The scope of chronic wasting disease and the uncertainty about its progression necessitate flexible and adequate research funding.
- Coordination with state and tribal wildlife agencies is crucial to effectively manage and mitigate the disease's spread.
- Research outcomes could influence future legislative actions regarding wildlife management and disease control.