Could Chronic Wasting Disease Now Be In Bossier Parish Deer?

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has confirmed that a deceased deer at a deer farm in Jefferson Davis Parish tested positive for Chronic Wasting Disease.

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For those unaware, Chronic Wasting Disease or CWD, is a neurodegenerative disease of white-tailed deer and other members of the family Cervidae. It is caused by a prion, an infectious, misfolded protein particle, and is 100% fatal in affected deer after an indeterminate incubation period. There is no treatment or preventative vaccine for CWD.

CWD-infected deer may exhibit signs of weight loss and emaciation, excessive salivation, frequent drinking and urination, incoordination, circling and lack of fear of people and always results in the death of the animal.

Although CWD has not been shown to be contagious to humans, the Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization recommend against the human consumption of deer known to be infected with CWD. Also, it is recommended that people hunting in areas known to harbor CWD-infected deer have their deer tested for the disease prior to consuming the animals.

In an article from KLFY.com, we learn that in the first positive case of CWD outside of wild deer in Tensas Parish, this new disturbing discovery has prompted LDWF to increase the monitoring for CWD in the following parishes:

• Jeff Davis
• Calcasieu
• DeSoto
• Bossier
• Ouachita
• Catahoula
• Concordia
• St. Landry
• Pointe Coupee
• Iberia
• Tangipahoa

LDWF states that the early detection of CWD is crucial to slowing the spread of the disease and are encouraging all hunters throughout Louisiana to assist with surveillance by submitting deer samples. A deer head with 4 to 5 inches of neck is needed for diagnostic testing.

To read more about CWD and how to submit any samples, just go to the LDWF website.