Chronic Wasting Disease Case Confirmed in New York’s North Country
The New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has confirmed a case of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in the state’s north country. This announcement, released on Sunday, carries significant implications for local deer populations and conservation efforts. Here are the key details of the case and the DEC’s response.
Understanding Chronic Wasting Disease
Chronic Wasting Disease is a fatal neurological disorder affecting deer, elk, moose, and caribou. The disease is caused by an abnormal protein, known as a prion, which attacks the brain and nervous system of infected animals. CWD has been slow to spread in New York, but Sunday’s announcement highlights the need for heightened awareness and monitoring.
Confirmation of the Case
The case was detected in facilities within DEC’s Region 6 area. This region includes Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties in northern New York, as well as Herkimer and Oneida counties. The infected sample was collected through routine testing administered by the state’s Department of Agriculture and Markets.
The DEC is reassuring that, at this time, there is no evidence of CWD infection in wild deer populations. The announcement emphasizes that while CWD cannot typically infect humans, consuming meat from infected animals is strongly discouraged.
DEC’s Response and Public Outreach
The state has committed to increasing surveillance and testing of wild deer in the affected region. They are also encouraging hunters and the public to report any sick or dying deer, including roadkill, to the nearest DEC regional wildlife office at 315-785-2263 or via email at [email protected].
The DEC is also providing tips for minimizing the risk from CWD:
Prevention Tips from the DEC
- Debone hunting imports: If hunting any wildlife outside New York, debone the harvest before bringing it into the state to avoid the spread of CWD.
- Avoid deer urine-based lures: Use synthetic instead of natural lures to minimize the risk of CWD transmission.
- Proper waste disposal: Dispose of carcass waste in a landfill, not out in the open landscape.
- Report sick deer: Contact your nearest DEC regional wildlife office or Environmental Conservation Police Officer if you see a deer that looks sick, thin, or behaves unusually.
- Hunt responsibly: Ensure that all game tagged for hunting is in accordance with fair chase principles and good conservation practices.
- Do not consume infected game: Avoid consuming any game that appears sick or diseased to help prevent the spread of CWD.
Monitoring and Support
The DEC highlights the importance of vigilance. The last confirmed case of CWD in New York was in 2005. Over the past nearly 20 years, state efforts have included testing 65,000 wild deer to ensure that CWD remains under control. The current incidence is a reminder that continued surveillance and citizen cooperation are essential to protecting wildlife and public health.
Call to Action
If you reside in the areas covered by Region 6 and encounter any deer that exhibit signs of sickness or die unexpectedly, please report it to the DEC immediately. Together, we can help contain this disease and support the health of New York’s deer populations.
Act Now for Prevention and Public Health
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