LDWF confirmed new captive Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) cases, raising concerns about the potential spread to wild deer. LDWF Veterinarian Dr. Jonathan Roberts says five additional positives were detected this season.
“This all originated in Tensas Parish, and that’s currently in our control area for the original positive that was detected in 2022.”
CWD is a fatal neurodegenerative disease affecting deer and other cervids. Infected deer display weight loss, disorientation, and excessive salivation. Roberts says it is caused by misfolded proteins called prions, which have no treatment or vaccine and currently don’t infect humans.
“There was some research awhile back in monkeys that said it could be possible, but I believe there were some issues with that research, but currently there has been no confirmation of CWD in humans.”
Hunters can contact LDWF field offices in Hammond, Lafayette, Lake Charles, Minden, Monroe, and Pineville for sample testing. CWD drop-off coolers are available in Concordia Parish. Surveillance of harvested deer is essential for early detection and disease control. Roberts cited a recent case where two mule deer were illegally harvested and transported from Colorado to Louisiana.
“The Colorado Department of Natural Resources tested one of them on routine check station testing and it was positive. So, one of those animals imported was positive.”
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