So a little more information as I had a run in with an occurrence of a doe infected w CWD this past summer and went down the rabbit hole:
As you can tell from this range the doe is very emaciated and is having a difficult time holding her head up and her ears are perhaps not as perked as you’d expect. This is typical.
CWD is a prion disease like mad cow disease. It lives in the brain and spinal cord but also can inhabit other organs. CWD affects the family cervidae, so any deer or elk type in North America is susceptible.
And while there’s no reported cases of CWD being transmitted to humans, there’s evidence of susceptibility in non-human primates so there’s cause for some concern and caution.
Here’s a map from the CDC of all counties with CWD reported as of January 2019:
Because of my sighting I’d like to caution people on the border of Oakland country Michigan.
If you live in a state like mine where deer hunting is big and just a part of life here’s how to spot a deer with CWD as well as some cautionary steps to prevent contamination when you dress your hunt:
drastic weight loss (wasting)
excessive thirst or urination
Safety guidelines in handling your deer:
Wear latex or rubber gloves when dressing the animal or handling the meat.
Minimize how much you handle the organs of the animal, particularly the brain or spinal cord tissues
Do not use household knives or other kitchen utensils for field dressing.
If you are hunting in an area with reports of CWD you should contact wildlife or public health services to get your meat tested. If you are having a butcher shop process your deer for you ask for it to be handled individually. If you are claiming roadkill deer please inspect carefully and ask for it to be tested.
Finally, if you spot a deer with symptoms of CWD please REPORT it to your state. You can simply google “report CWD [state]”. Many states have an online form.
It spreads through contact with bodily fluids so unfortunately that includes water sources for wildlife. Even if you’re not dead sure a deer is I’ll but feel that somethings off REPORT REPORT REPORT.
Stay alert, but no need for panic. Wado, tsunalii 💕🦌
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