At the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission meeting today, members learned more about the suspected case of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in a deer harvested in Tensas Parish. A hunter recognized the older buck disoriented and in poor condition similar to symptoms exhibited when infected with CWD. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries biologists took samples and await final results but early indications are that this buck is CWD positive.
It’s time for hunters and land managers to be even more vigilant. Educate yourself and others about the seriousness of CWD and its potential negative impact on Louisiana’s native deer population. Learn more here: https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/page/cwd
CWD is a disease that effects cervids and it can take up to a year for the disease to be detected. Some of the symptoms include dramatic weight loss, stumbling, and an array of other neurologic symptoms. CWD essentially erodes their brain tissue and nerve cells. There are currently no vaccines or treatments for this disease. CWD brings many concerns including dwindling deer populations, hunter discouragement, and diminised economic impact of deer hunting in Louisiana. Another important concern is the possibility of CWD-infected cervid meat being potentially harmful to humans. We need more research and better testing.
Thank you to Representatives Carter, Graves, Johnson, Letlow and Scalise for voting for the bi-partisan Chronic Wasting Disease Research and Management Act moving through Congress that would fund research on detecting and managing the spread of the disease along with funding state and Tribal efforts to stem the spread.
