Chronic wasting disease has been detected in a wild New York deer for the first time since 2005.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation announced that a wild deer tested positive for the fatal illness in Livingston County. The disease, which affects deer, elk, and moose, spreads through defective proteins called prions that can remain in soil for decades.
“So, our first step is going to be to determine the extent of the outbreak and the prevalence of CWD within the wild deer,” Brendan Quirion, the DEC Big Game Unit’s section head, told Spectrum News.
“From there, we'll determine next management actions,” Brendan Quirion, the DEC Big Game Unit's section head, told Spectrum News.
The positive test triggered mandatory testing rules for hunters. Officials established a containment area that includes the Livingston County towns of Conesus, Groveland, North Dansville, Sparta, Springwater, and West Sparta, according to 13WHAM-TV.
Livingston County Check Station Opens
Hunters who harvest a deer within the containment area must submit tissue samples to the DEC for testing. The agency opened a check station at the Livingston County Office of Emergency Management located at 3360 Gypsy Lane in Groveland, 13WHAM-TV reported.
The station will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. until Nov. 20, before shifting hours to 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. beginning Nov. 21. WHEC.com said that hunters can also submit samples through cooperating meat processors, taxidermists, or designated head collection bins.
“The good news here is hopefully our detection could have been early, and if it is early in detection, there are some chances that we can manage the disease or potentially even make it go away in the state,” said Joe Payne, owner and deer butcher at Payne’s Processing, told Spectrum News.
DEC containment restrictions remain for five years
The DEC containment area restrictions will remain in place for at least five years. Officials prohibit moving captive deer from facilities within the zone, banning deer rehabilitation, and restricting the transport of urine and other cervid products outside the boundary, according to WHEC.com.
Neighboring states are already responding to the New York detection. The Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife issued a reminder to hunters crossing state lines to follow regulations regarding deer carcasses, VTDigger reported.
“Those prions that cause CWD can remain in the soil for decades, essentially,” Nick Fortin, the department’s lead deer biologist, told VTDigger. “The persistence is the biggest concern.”
Hunters inside the containment area whose deer test positive will be contacted and asked to surrender the venison in exchange for a replacement carcass tag, according to Spectrum News. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises that people should not consume meat from an animal infected with the disease.
Chronic Wasting Disease Questions
What towns are included in the New York containment area?
The DEC containment area covers the Livingston County towns of Conesus, Groveland, North Dansville, Sparta, Springwater, and West Sparta.
Where can hunters submit deer tissue samples?
Hunters can submit samples at the DEC check station at 3360 Gypsy Lane in Groveland, or through cooperating taxidermists, meat processors, and head collection bins.
When was chronic wasting disease last found in a wild New York deer?
Prior to the Livingston County detection, the disease had not been found in a wild deer in New York state since 2005.
What are the symptoms of chronic wasting disease in wildlife?
The fatal illness causes symptoms in deer, elk, and moose such as emaciation, listlessness, and disorientation.