New York CWD Detection: The Urge to Avoid Venison in Hunting Season
Chronic Wasting Disease Detected in Western New York
New Yorkers have been advised to steer clear of venison this hunting season after the first confirmed case of chronic wasting disease (CWD), commonly referred to as "zombie deer disease," was detected in an animal in the western part of the state. Officials reported that the disease was identified in an unspecified animal housed in a facility in a northern county bordering Canada.
What is Zombie Deer Disease?
Nicknamed "zombie deer disease," CWD is a 100 percent fatal condition that causes parts of the brain to slowly deteriorate into a spongy consistency. This results in infected animals drooling, staring blankly, and eventually dying. Despite its horrifying effect, the condition is not known to infect humans.
First CWD Case in New York in Nearly 20 Years
The latest detection marks the first CWD case in the state in nearly two decades. This comes as a wake-up call for hunters and meat consumers who should now be cautious about consuming venison. The state Department of Agriculture and Markets and Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) emphasized that while monitoring, there’s a low public health risk and the CWD strain found does not appear to be widespread in the wild deer population.
Cautionary Measures for Hunters and Meat Consumers
The DEC has issued warnings advising against consuming meat from animals suspected of having CWD. For hunters who might have found such animals, measures have been implemented to debone carcasses before bringing them back to the state and dispose of them in landfills instead of leaving them in the open.
Containment and Spread of CWD
CWD is caused by misfolded prions that spread throughout the body, particularly the central nervous system. While there are no cures or vaccines available, the disease can be managed through preventive actions, such as routine testing and reporting any sick or dead deer.
Historical Context and Recommended Actions
Historically, CWD has been more commonly reported in states like Kansas, Nebraska, and Wisconsin, but its recent detection in New York underscores the need for vigilance. New York State, in response, has implemented an Interagency CWD Response Plan, increasing sampling and monitoring of wild deer populations and encouraging residents to report any unusual or dead animals.
Call to Action for Residents
New York residents are urged to stay informed about the latest developments, to avoid consuming venison, and to report any suspicious deer behavior or死 animals to local authorities. By doing so, you stay safe and help contain the spread of CWD while promoting the well-being of both wildlife and human populations.
Several images are included to illustrate and highlight the severity of the disease, showing deer exhibiting classic symptoms of CWD. A CDC map also shows the extensive areas in the U.S. and abroad where CWD has been detected.
In summary, while the risk to humans remains low, the influence and allotted measures from the health authorities advise caution and obedience. Stay safe and responsible by following the suggested guidelines. For the latest updates and guidelines, visit your state’s respective healthcare and environmental departments’ websites.