Karmactive Staff
Photo Source: Google
Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), a highly infectious and fatal disease affecting deer, elk, and moose populations, has re-emerged in New York State after a 19-year absence, marking the first confirmed case since 2005.
The disease is caused by prions—infectious, misfolded proteins—that damage the brain and nervous system of cervids (deer family animals), producing effects similar to bovine spongiform encephalopathy, commonly known as "mad cow disease" in cattle.
New York's hunting industry, particularly for white-tailed deer, generates approximately $1 billion annually through various activities including travel, lodging, and equipment purchases, making it a crucial component of the state's economy.
Wildlife Commissioner Basil Seggos emphasized the risk to the state's wild deer and moose herds, while the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) partnered with the State Department of Agriculture and Markets and Cornell University to refine their CWD Risk Minimization Plan, which includes new regulatory changes on cervid imports and deer urine products.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) mandates strict precautionary measures when handling potentially infected animals, and since 2002, New York has tested over 47,000 deer statewide as part of their surveillance protocols.
Though there is no confirmed transmission to humans, consumption of meat from CWD-positive animals is discouraged due to potential risks, even if these risks remain unproven through scientific studies.
The CDC's guidance specifically directs hunters and consumers to exercise heightened caution when handling and consuming venison from areas where CWD has been identified, emphasizing preventative measures to minimize exposure.
Hunters play a crucial role as essential allies in controlling CWD's spread, with their participation being vital for maintaining New York's CWD-free status in wild herds through proper carcass disposal and compliance with state regulations on cervid imports.
Despite changing environmental conditions and increasing human-wildlife interactions, maintaining vigilance against diseases like CWD must remain a priority, as prion diseases can persist in the environment for years and are almost impossible to eradicate once established.