The NYS DEC reported that Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) has been found in Region 6 at a private deer farm. This is the first confirmed case in the state since 2005. The CWD was found during routine testing by the Department of Agriculture and Markets (AGM). It was confirmed by follow-up testing by the USDA.

Because of the incident, the State is now implementing its interagency CWD Response Plan. The plan was jointly developed by the DEC and the AGM in conjunction with the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. Its purpose is to mount a response beginning with determining the scope of the initial outbreak and then providing information for decisions to manage the disease. One of the goals is to establish a containment area for the potential outbreak.

Hunters and the general public are being asked to report any sick or dying deer (including any road kill deer) that are found in Region 6 to the DEC Headquarters at (315) 785-2263. The DEC is also asking hunters and the public throughout the state to report any sick deer that may show symptoms of possible CWD, such as abnormally low weight, stumbling, drooling or listlessness.

Many of us are familiar with CWD. For those that aren’t, it is a disease of the brain and spine that always causes death in an infected animal. There is no cure or vaccine. It is found in deer, elk, moose, caribou and other similar species. It is caused by improperly folded proteins called prions. Those prions that cause CWD are extremely hard to eradicate and stay in the environment for years. To destroy them, they must be incinerated at 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. Some research shows that exposure for at least 5 minutes to a solution of 40 percent bleach will temporarily deactivate them.

Interestingly, there is some fairly new research out that shows that the digestive tracts of predatory cats (mountain lions and bobcats) kills off 96.5 – 100 percent of the prions on the way through. So normal predator cleansing (as biologists call it when a predator eats  weakened diseased prey animal) will help to combat CWD and its spread. 

Obviously, prions dying after being ingested by mountain lions won’t do anything to help contain CWD here in NY. But perhaps the research will someday lead to a helpful solution.

There are no reports of CWD in the wild deer herd at this time. Some precautions can help prevent the spread. If hunting out of state, debone all meat from deer, elk, moose or caribou before bringing it into NY. Dispose of carcass waste in garbage bags in a landfill instead of leaving it out in the woods. Only use synthetic urine-based lures instead of natural ones that can contain CWD prions. The DEC also cautions not to eat meat from game that appears sick or diseased.

Please take steps to learn more about CWD and how to prevent the spread, and enjoy the outdoors!