North Dakota State University -- NDSU Agriculture Communication
7 Morrill Hall, Fargo ND, 58105-5655, Tel: 701-231-7881, Fax: 701-231-7044
agcomm@ndsuext.nodak.edu

October 2, 2003

 

Hunters Need To Be Aware of Chronic Wasting Disease

Many hunters are excited about the upcoming deer season and some will be traveling to another state to bag their game. However, North Dakota State University Extension Service veterinarian, Charles Stoltenow says hunters need to be aware of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) affecting deer and elk.

CWD affects the nervous system of white and black-tailed deer, mule deer and elk, and is fatal. "There is no evidence that CWD can be transmitted naturally to humans or livestock, but there also is no evidence that it can’t be transmitted," says Stoltenow. "Consumption is at your own risk, and currently the risk appears to be minimal." CWD is most commonly found in over-crowded deer or elk populations. Currently there is no live animal test for CWD, and sampling has to be done after the animal is killed.

There are precautions that hunters should take when handling and transporting deer or elk carcasses.

  • Do not shoot, handle or consume any wild animal that appears sick.
  • Wear rubber or latex gloves when field dressing and processing animals.
  • Bone out the meat from the animal.
  • Minimize handling of the spine and brain tissue.
  • Avoid consuming any internal organs, especially brain, spinal cord, eyes, spleen, tonsils and lymph nodes.
  • Avoid consuming meat from any animal that tests positive for CWD.
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    Stoltenow says there are no known cases of CWD in North Dakota, but it has been found in the surrounding states. According to the N.D. Department of Game and Fish hunters are not allowed to bring whole carcasses or carcass parts into the state from areas that have documented CWD. Hunters are however allowed to transport the following portions of the carcass:

  • Meat that is cut and wrapped either commercially or privately.
  • Quarters or other portions of meat with no parts of the spinal column or head attached.
  • Meat that has been boned out.
  • Hides with no heads attached.
  • Antlers with no meat or tissue attached.
  • Upper canine teeth, also known as bugler, whistlers or ivories.
  • Finished taxidermy heads.
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    Areas in Colorado, Illinois, Nebraska, New Mexico, Saskatchewan, South Dakota, Utah, Wisconsin and Wyoming have had occurrences of CWD.

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    Source: Charles Stoltenow, (701) 231-7522, charles.stoltenow@ndsu.nodak.edu
    Writer: Stephanie Renner, (701) 231-8371, srenner@ndsuext.nodak.edu
    Editor: Tom Jirik, (701) 231-9629, tjirik@ndsuext.nodak.edu