HB 1848 - DIGEST

Requires the rules of the department of fish and wildlife to prohibit a person from translocating a live elk from an area with elk affected by hoof disease to any other location.

Prohibits the department from issuing a permit allowing that action.

Requires the department of fish and wildlife to: (1) Request recommendations from the state veterinarian and Washington State University college of veterinary medicine for department actions to prevent hoof disease from being transmitted from elk to domestic animals; and

(2) Maintain the elk hoof disease public working group as a forum to advise the department on elk hoof disease issues statewide and to discuss relevant research, management, and public outreach efforts.

Requires department of fish and wildlife staff, while on duty and in possession of a firearm, to humanely euthanize an elk that is exhibiting a severe limp and is located in an area where hoof disease is present.