The results of this year’s chronic wasting disease (CWD) sampling, conducted by the Nevada Division of Wildlife (NDOW), have thus far came back negative. “We are confident that CWD does not exist in Nevada and the results of our continued sampling reinforces that observation,” said Mike Cox, NDOW big game staff specialist.
Chronic wasting disease is an untreatable, fatal neurological (brain and nervous system) disease found in deer and elk in certain geographical locations in North America. The disease attacks the brain and neural tissue. Symptoms include staggering, emaciation and excessive salivation or drooling. Studies done by both the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment have found no evidence that CWD poses a risk to humans.
As part of the continuing effort to prevent CWD in Nevada’s elk and deer herds, NDOW will continue to conduct voluntary sampling. “Our goal is to collect up to 500 elk and 200 deer samples,” Cox said. “Through the sampling effort and a widespread public awareness campaign to educate sportsman about CWD, we feel confident that we can keep Nevada’s herds disease free.”
For more information about CWD contact your local NDOW office, or the agency web page at www.ndow.org.