CWD Is a Growing Concern

There are major concerns in populations of Mule deer, Elk, Whitetail deer, and Moose. What might this concern be? A disease called Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). First coming from a captive Mule deer in Colorado, in the 1960’s, and wasn’t found in the wild until the year 1981.

This disease does not only affect Colorado, there are many other states that have begun submitting possible cases. Some people may ask certain questions like: How is this Disease Spread? What causes this Disease? What are the Symptoms? How can we help to stop this? What exactly is CWD? CWD is a threatening disease that effect’s the host’s nervous system. “It is spread through saliva, urine, feces, and blood” (Humane Society). Symptoms of CWD are “reduced eating and weight loss, possible blindness, excessive drinking, fine head tumors, loss of coordination, and increased salivating” (Humane Society)

One of the most major concerns is CWD being spread to humans. This is actually very possible, because when a hunter may kill one of the hosts such as whitetail deer, and that animal has been infected but didn’t show any signs before the hunter harvested it, and as he cleaned the animal he didn’t notice that it wasn’t exactly normal, but he just shook it off and went on. Then later ate the meat of the infected host. He could possibly catch this fatal disease. This has actually been reported in some states, but “to this date none could have been proven as CWD” (CDC). As I asked in the last paragraph, “How can we help to stop this disease?” well for starters in captive herds, feeding and watering stations are set throughout the property. If CWD has struck your farm or property, do not keep these feed stations live, since CWD is spread through bodily fluids o...

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...s not a serious issue as it could possibly move to other states and counties across Illinois, but as of right now the states affected should keep a watchful eye and not get lazy. As long as we can keep it in the states that are effected, then we have a better chance to be able to fight off this horrible disease. There is a chance that we can lower the possible cases and maybe in the near future, maybe wipe it out for good.

Works Citied

“Chronic Wasting Disease.”The Humane Society of the United States. The Humane Society. N.d. 15 April, 2014.

“Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD)” Center for Disease Control. Center for Disease Control. N.D. 14 April, 2014.

Shelton, Paul and Patrick McDonald “Illinois Chronic Wasting Disease: 2012-2013 Surveillance and Management Report.” Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Illinois Department of Natural Resources. 14 April, 2014.