Date: 10/15/09
Contact: Doug Nielsen
Phone: (702) 486-5127 x 3500

NDOW CHECKING FOR CHRONIC WASTING DISEASE

With fall big game hunting seasons under way, the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) is collecting tissue samples from harvested deer and elk to test for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). Since the mid-1980’s, when it was first found in wild deer and elk herds, CWD has been confirmed in several of the lower 48 states as well as two Canadian provinces. The closest of those locations to Nevada is neighboring Utah, yet CWD remains undetected in the Silver State and the NDOW hopes to keep it that way.

CWD is a contagious neurological disease affecting deer, elk, and moose. It is characterized by spongy deterioration of the brains in infected animals. Common outward symptoms of the disease are emaciation, abnormal behavior, and loss of bodily functions, usually ending in death.

“Currently, there is no evidence that CWD poses a risk for humans; however, public health officials recommend that human exposure to the CWD infectious agent be avoided as they continue to evaluate any potential health risk,” notes the Chronic Wasting Disease Alliance website.

In the meantime, hunters are urged to not shoot, handle or consume any animal that is acting abnormal or appears to be sick. Anyone who does harvest or see an animal that appears sick is urged to call NDOW. Hunters should wear latex or rubber gloves when field dressing deer or elk. It is also recommended that hunters bone out the meat and avoid sawing through bone or cutting through the brain or spinal cord. Thoroughly washing hands and knives after field dressing is complete is highly recommended.

To date Nevada remains CWD free. However, with Utah being the closest CWD infected state, NDOW personnel are concentrating their research efforts on animals harvested in the eastern portion of the state. Las Vegas is the sample collection focal point because a significant portion of the animals southern Nevada hunters harvest actually originate in the eastern counties. According to Peregrine Wolff, DVM, wildlife veterinarian for NDOW, the agency “collects 90% of the samples from the Las Vegas area alone each year.”

This is the eleventh season the NDOW has collected the brain tissue samples needed for the detection of CWD. These samples are collected by volunteers at commercial meat packing operations where hunters bring their deer and elk for processing. With the data obtained through this sampling process, the NDOW can take steps necessary to control the spread of CWD should it be discovered in Nevada.

NDOW aims to collect over 200 samples in the Las Vegas area and is seeking help from volunteers. CWD sampling will take place at Mull’s Meat’s. Anyone who is interested in helping with sample collection should call Chris Pietrafeso, (702) 486-5127 ext. 3850.

The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) protects, restores and manages fish and wildlife, and promotes fishing, hunting, and boating safety. NDOW’s wildlife and habitat conservation efforts are primarily funded by sportsmen’s license and conservation fees and a federal surcharge on hunting and fishing gear. Support wildlife and habitat conservation in Nevada by purchasing a hunting, fishing, or combination license. For more information, visit www.ndow.org.