Chronic Wasting Disease management responses in North America: A public policy analysis

Abstract Chronic wasting disease (CWD), a fatal disease that affects deer ( Odocoileus spp.) and other cervids, is caused by infectious proteins transmitted through fluids such as saliva. Chronic wasting disease poses a challenge to wildlife managers because it threatens to destabilize ecosystems and species populations. Further, because substantial wildlife management funding originates from an excise tax on firearms, ammunition, and archery equipment, and cervids are hunted species, there is pressure on managers to maintain healthy populations for hunting activities. We use public policy theory to assess the responses of wildlife management agencies in states and provinces with CWD‐positive cases in the United States and Canada to alleviate public concerns and manage the spread of CWD. Specifically, we apply the Multiple Streams Framework, which states that when problems, policies, and politics (the 3 streams) converge, a policy window opens, facilitated by actors pushing for policy changes. Using qualitative document review (including newspapers, agency websites, and legislative documents), we illustrate the problems, policy responses, and political factors involved in CWD management. We found that the policy window may open at the problem or policy stages when facilitated by clear communication and collaborative responses between agency staff and stakeholders. However, when information is not communicated clearly by wildlife agencies, the politics stream can influence the policy window. Specifically, our analysis illustrates how politician‐led interventions often undermine management efforts when they disregard the best available science. Our research emphasizes the importance of communicating complex scientific topics to the public, such as expert detection of CWD spread through surveillance, addressing elevated public concern by communicating on new regulations, and providing opportunities to engage with state agency experts and managers.