Alliance, Nebr. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission completed testing of 4,850 samples submitted during the 2003-2004 deer seasons for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) and 18 confirmed cases of CWD were found in six western Nebraska counties, according to Gary Schlichtemeier, district wildlife manager at the Game and Parks Commissions district office in Alliance.
“We received excellent cooperation from deer hunters again this year,” Schlichtemeier said, “and while the known CWD distribution area has expanded in western Nebraska, samples from the rest of the state were negative for CWD.”
About 2,500 deer were voluntarily submitted by Panhandle Nebraska deer hunters during the 2003-2004 deer season.
According to Schlichtemeier, of the 18 CWD positives, four were from deer harvested in Banner County, four positives were found in Box Butte and Sheridan Counties; three CWD positives were collected from Dawes County, two CWD positives came from Morrill County; four positives were found in Sioux County and one positive deer was taken in Kimball County.
“Our CWD management decisions will be made using the information to formulate on-going efforts to respond to CWD,” he said. “The expansion of the CWD positive areas is a concern , but we will continue to do everything possible to reduce and eliminate CWD in Nebraskas deer herds. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will also continue to provide the best scientific information on CWD to Nebraskas deer hunters and landowners, they are full partners in our CWD management response.”
For more information on Nebraskas CWD efforts, contact a Game and Parks Commission office or check the Commissions website at www.outdoornebraska.org.