Deer Disease Alert: CWD Found in New York Facility

Recently, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation confirmed a case of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in a facility located in the state's Region 6 area. This disease affects the brains and nervous systems of deer, elk, and moose. The infected sample was discovered during routine testing conducted by the state Department of Agriculture and Markets. There's no current evidence that CWD is present in wild deer within the region. Region 6 includes Jefferson, Lewis, St. Lawrence, Herkimer, and Oneida counties. The state has emphasized that while the risk to humans is low, people should avoid consuming meat from infected animals. To combat the spread, the state will increase its monitoring and sampling of wild deer, encouraging hunters and the public to report any sick or dying deer. CWD can be devastating to deer populations, but it has spread slowly in New York. The last confirmed case was in 2005, with over 65, 000 wild deer tested since then. The DEC has offered tips to minimize risk, such as deboning harvested deer outside of New York, avoiding deer urine-based lures, disposing of carcass waste properly, and reporting sick deer.