A white-tailed deer in north Idaho has tested positive for chronic wasting disease (CWD), marking the first known case in the area. Idaho Fish and Game is taking proactive measures to develop a plan for disease sampling to determine the prevalence and distribution of CWD in the region. Hunters are being asked to help by providing samples for testing. Fish and Game is urging all hunters participating in deer, elk, or moose hunts in the Panhandle to have their harvested animals tested for the disease. The goal is to detect and minimize the spread of CWD to maintain healthy big game herds.
Chronic wasting disease is a contagious, fatal neurological disease that affects deer, elk, and moose. There is no cure, live test, or vaccine for CWD. Fish and Game is asking people to report any roadkill deer, elk, or moose in specific areas, as well as sick animals in Boundary County. The agency is working closely with the community to develop a long-term management plan for CWD. It is essential to monitor and prevent the spread of the disease to protect the wildlife population. While there have been no reported cases of CWD infecting humans, the CDC recommends not consuming meat from animals that test positive for the disease. For more information and updates on the situation, visit the Fish and Game CWD webpage.
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Photo credit www.eastidahonews.com
