CWD Continues it's Destructive Path

CWD Continues it's Destructive Path 

The spread of the deer killing disease called Chronic Wasting Disease or CWD for short, has continued spreading and has been spotted in a new Iowa County.  As of February 1, 2017 we haven't heard anything from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources regarding the spread of CWD into new counties or if there were positive deer cases.

However, we continue to receive reports from surrounding states. 

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources has confirmed that the CWD has spread to another county.  While Iowa's total CWD rate is still low (compared to states like IL or Wisconsin) their holding public meetings to inform the public about the status of the disease.  If you're interested or hunt Iowa we urge you to attend.  Why?  Since Iowa's first positive result in 2013 the spreading of the disease has continued and 2016 has been the worse year ever for Iowa.

If you hunt deer or just enjoy the outdoors and support conservation then you need stay informed of this issue.  There's no room for opinions just facts.  That's why we all need to become educated on this issue.  Below you'll find the full release from the Iowa's DNR regarding the confirmed case of CWD and information about the public meetings.

Clayton County deer tests positive for chronic wasting disease

A wild deer taken during the 2016 deer hunting season northwest of Elkader has tested positive for chronic wasting disease (CWD), which is the first CWD positive wild deer confirmed outside of Allamakee County.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources has scheduled a public meeting to discuss the status of the disease in Iowa and surrounding states on Feb. 13, from 6:30 to 9 p.m., in Johnson’s Reception Hall, 916 High St. N.E., in Elkader.

Clayton County, like its neighbor to the north, Allamakee County, is a popular deer hunting destination attracting recreational landowners and hunters form across the state and beyond.

Allamakee County had 10 additional CWD positive deer taken during the 2016 season from near Harpers Ferry, bringing its total of CWD positive wild deer since 2013 to 16.
“Chronic wasting disease is an important issue, especially here regionally, and this meeting will give attendees a platform to discuss their questions and concerns,” said Dr. Dale Garner, chief of Wildlife for the Iowa DNR. “This meeting will guide our approach to addressing this disease.”

The disease is spread from animal to animal through nose to nose contact and through environmental contamination from urine, feces and saliva left by positive deer. There is no cure once an animal becomes infected.

This disease is not just an Iowa issue; Minnesota has had a spike in deer testing positive for the disease as well. Illinois, Nebraska, Missouri and Wisconsin are all battling this disease.

The Iowa DNR began collecting deer tissue samples in 2002 after the CWD outbreak in Wisconsin. Since then, more than 61,000 samples from wild deer and 4,000 samples from hunting preserve deer have been collected and tested. The first wild deer tested positive in 2013, followed by three in 2014, two in 2015 and 11 so far in 2016.

Iowa DNR’s website provides information about CWD and other information on infectious disease at:
www.iowadnr.gov/Hunting/Deer-Hunting/Deer-Disease-Information.

Any person attending the public meeting and has special requirements such as those related to mobility or hearing impairments should contact the DNR or ADA Coordinator at515-725-8200, Relay Iowa TTY Service 800-735-7942, or Webmaster@dnr.iowa.gov, and advise of specific needs.

Remember Enjoy the Outdoors, Good Luck and Stay Safe