Title: First Case of Chronic Wasting Disease Detected in Mule Deer Near New Meadows
Jala News – The Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) has recently confirmed the first positive case of chronic wasting disease (CWD) in a mule deer near New Meadows. This marks the first known case outside of the Riggins area, where the disease was initially detected in Idaho during the fall of 2021.
Chronic wasting disease is a contagious illness that affects deer, elk, and moose. Unfortunately, there is currently no cure, reliable live test for wild animals, or vaccine to prevent it. This alarming situation has prompted the IDFG to take swift action and request hunters participating in deer and elk hunts between New Meadows and Council to have their animals tested for the disease.
To facilitate testing, hunters can bring the heads of the harvested deer and elk to any regional fish and game office for sampling. The involvement of hunters in providing these crucial samples is vital for understanding the presence and spread of the disease within the population.
Symptoms of CWD in deer and elk include drooling, drooping head or ears, tremors, extremely low body weight, and unusual behavior. Different from the previous detection in the Riggins area, the situation near New Meadows presents additional challenges in combating the spread of the disease as the animals in the area are migratory.
The IDFG urgently requests the public to report any deer or elk killed on Highway 95 between Riggins and Weiser, as well as any sick-looking deer observed. This information will contribute to tracking the disease accurately and implementing necessary measures to contain its spread.
In an effort to keep the community informed, the IDFG has scheduled a meeting on November 14th and 15th in Lewiston. This meeting will provide updates on the situation and allow concerned individuals to obtain valuable information directly from experts.
With the emergence of chronic wasting disease in a mule deer near New Meadows, it is crucial for the public and hunters alike to remain vigilant and cooperate in order to mitigate the further spread of this highly contagious disease. IDFG continues to monitor the situation closely and will implement necessary measures to protect the state’s deer, elk, and moose populations from this ongoing threat.
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