Chronic Wasting Disease Found In A White-Tailed Deer In Maryland
Annapolis, Md. (February 10, 2011) — The Maryland Department of
Natural Resources (DNR) received laboratory confirmation on February 10, 2011
that a white-tailed deer harvested in Maryland tested positive for chronic
wasting disease (CWD). This is the first confirmed case of CWD in Maryland. A
hunter in Allegany County reported taking the deer on November 27, 2010 in Green
Ridge State Forest. Maryland joins 20 other states and Canadian
provinces with CWD documented in deer, elk or moose.
"Our team of wildlife professionals has been preparing for this result for some
time so we are well-informed and ready to limit the impact of this event,” said
Paul Peditto, Director of DNR’s Wildlife and Heritage Service. “We have sampled
intensively for this disease since 2002 and see this as an unfortunate but
somewhat inevitable outcome. The good news is that our preparation and planning
ensure a sound scientific foundation for our response to this single positive
test result. With the continued cooperation of hunters, farmers, deer processors
and landowners who have supported our monitoring effort, we will manage this
deer disease consistent with the best available science and with minimal impact
on our deer population and the people who enjoy these great animals.”
“Concerns over CWD should not stop anyone from enjoying venison,” added Peditto,
who explained that only four species of the deer family are known to be
susceptible to CWD: elk, mule deer, moose and white-tailed deer. Of these, only
the white-tailed deer occurs in the wild in Maryland and there are no reported
cases of transmission to humans or other animals.
As always, hunters are advised to exercise caution and never consume the meat of
sick animals. Hunters are also advised to avoid contact with the brain, spinal
column or lymph nodes of deer — all of which are normally removed during the
butchering process.
This is the first positive sample out of nearly 6,800 deer tested in Maryland
since 1999. From 2002 until 2009 that sampling occurred statewide. In 2010,
sampling efforts were focused on Allegany and western Washington counties due to
the presence of positive cases in nearby West Virginia and Virginia. West
Virginia first detected CWD in Hampshire County in 2005 and it was found in
Frederick County, Virginia in early 2010.
“Maryland will continue to work closely with the wildlife professionals in our
adjacent states to share information and coordinate response efforts. However,
our primary goal is to ensure the public is fully-informed and knows what we
know when we know it. We want to be certain that every interested Marylander
understands this disease and recognizes that there is no risk to people, pets or
domestic livestock. As in every other state with CWD, we will respond
appropriately while ultimately learning to live with this disease with little
impact to our wildlife or citizens,” Peditto concluded.
For more information on CWD in Maryland and the DNR Response Plan, please visit
the DNR Website at
http://www.dnr.maryland.gov/wildlife/Hunt_Trap/deer/disease/cwdinformation.asp.
February 10, 2011 |
Contact: Josh Davidsburg |
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is the state agency responsible for providing natural and living resource-related services to citizens and visitors. DNR manages nearly one-half million acres of public lands and 17,000 miles of waterways, along with Maryland's forests, fisheries and wildlife for maximum environmental, economic and quality of life benefits. A national leader in land conservation, DNR-managed parks and natural, historic and cultural resources attract 11 million visitors annually. DNR is the lead agency in Maryland's effort to restore the Chesapeake Bay, the state's number one environmental priority. Learn more at www.dnr.maryland.gov