An obscure rule change sought by domestic elk ranchers could wreak havoc on Idaho’s hunting industry by introducing a deadly parasite into wild game populations – something some Idaho veterinarians are describing as “Ebola for wildlife.” Virgil Moore, director of the Idaho Department of Fish & Game, has been imploring state officials not to make the import change; a Senate committee is considering it this morning, and a House committee already has approved it, but may reconsider. Lewiston Tribune reporter Bill Spence has a full report here on the issue, which involves something called the meningeal worm.

The Idaho Sportsmen Caucus Advisory Council is opposing the removal of the import restrictions. Council President Larry Fry told Spence, “If you think wolves are bad for elk, wait until this worm gets in them.”

In a July letter to the state Department of Agriculture opposing the rule change, Moore, the Fish & Game chief, wrote, “Minnesota just recently eliminated moose hunting due to declines of over 50 percent in their populations in the last three years, in part due to substantial impacts from meningeal worm.” Other states in the region are stepping up precautions against importing the worm, he wrote – not loosening them. You can read Moore's letter here.