Case of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) confirmed locally, DEC says

State authorities have confirmed a case of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) here in the North Country.

As hunters and outdoor enthusiasts are already likely aware, CWD is a transmissible disease that affects the brain and central nervous system of certain deer, elk, and moose.

In collaboration between the New York Ag Department, Department of Health and Department of Environmental Conservation, officials have confirmed a positive and isolated CWD case in DEC’s Region Six, which covers much of our local listening area.

While there is no evidence that CWD is present in wild deer at this time, DEC will initiate enhanced surveillance in wild deer working with local hunters, processors, and taxidermists in the area.

Efforts are also underway to collect roadkill to determine if CWD is present in wild deer.

To clarify, the risk to public health is low, as biologists stress that there is no strong evidence to suggest that CWD can infect humans. With that said, DEC warns that people should not consume meat from infected animals.

DEC began CWD monitoring efforts in 2002 and intensified the effort in 2005 after CWD was confirmed in both captive and wild deer in Oneida County – the first incidents of the disease in New York State.

Since that time, DEC has tested more than 65,000 wild deer statewide with no additional cases discovered in New York.

As CWD continues to spread in other states, hunters have great responsibility to prevent CWD introduction to New York’s wild deer population. CWD is always fatal to deer and if introduced to wild populations, may spread rapidly, and is nearly impossible to eliminate once established. 

Hunters can help protect New York's deer herd from CWD by following these tips:

• If hunting any type of deer, elk, moose, or caribou outside of New York, debone the harvest before bringing it back to the state. DEC will confiscate and destroy illegally imported carcasses and parts;
• Avoid deer urine-based lures or attractant scents, as these could contain infectious material. If using lures, use synthetics;
• Dispose of carcass waste in a landfill, not out on the landscape;
• Contact the nearest DEC regional wildlife office or Environmental Conservation Police Officer to report a deer that appears sick, unusually thin, or behaves abnormally;
• Hunt only wild deer and support fair chase hunting principles; and
• Do not consume game that appears sick or diseased.

New York State will keep the public informed as the CWD surveillance efforts continue and additional information will be provided as it is available.

NYS DEC image.