Chronic Wasting Disease, one of the worst illnesses affecting wildlife in North America, has been found in North Dakota. This information was released by the Centre of Disease and Prevention Control after they tested two mule deer in September. These deer were provided by hunters in McKenzie County, with one being taken during the archery season and the other harvested through the youth season in Divide County. The CDC and North Dakota Wildlife Department mentioned that these are the first two sightings of chronic wasting disease in the area.
The wildlife department spoke with local reporters on this concerning issue, mentioning that this is a famous location for hunting deer and that people from all over America travel to North Dakota for this season. It was noted that the proactive behaviour of wildlife experts will guarantee that infection rates are lowered by a significant degree. It would reduce the chances of spreading, which at this moment hasn’t been limited. The extent of the chronic wasting disease infection in North Dakota is unknown by expects.
The North Dakota Wildlife Department is reviewing the information provided by the Centre of Disease and Prevention Control. They’ve confirmed that revisions will be made towards wildlife legislation for next season, with one of these alterations being transportation restrictions. This means that hunters that kill mule deer or other breeds in the area will need the assistance of wildlife experts before transportation. This is to ensure human safety, as life-threatening injuries can occur from eating chronic wasting disease meat.
Montana Affected
North Dakota wasn’t the only location in the United States that saw its first instance of Chronic Wasting Disease. The Montana Wildlife Conservation Authority confirmed that a moose in Northwest Montana had tested positive for the illness. They were able to locate the disease when a hunter in Pulpit Mountain during October had harvested a Bull Moose. When travelling the moose from the mountain landscape, down to Quartz Creek and onwards to Troy, the hunter noticed signs of the disease. He travelled to the CWD Management Zone, where tests were confirmed and provided to the public.
The Montana Wildlife Conservation Authority had collected a voluntary sample of this illness-acquired moose and had second testing completed by the Veterinary Diagnostic Lab. This Colorado State University association confirmed the infection with the second test and noted that other animals in the wild most likely carry the illness.
