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Kansas is known nationwide for its big buck hunting, and firearms deer season is currently
underway until December 12. Hunters should be aware that Chronic Wasting Disease, or
CWD, has made its way into the northwestern corner of the state. And though the chance
of encountering an infected deer is very remote, Kansas Wildlife and Parks is interested in
testing a large sample of deer taken statewide during the current hunting season.
CWD was first found in a Kansas wild deer in Cheyenne County in 2005. This strange disease
develops slowly in an infected animal, finally resulting in death. It spreads directly from
animal to animal through saliva and other bodily secretions, making bait stations and
water guzzlers prime infection sites. There is no evidence that CWD can spread from deer
or elk to humans or livestock, but precautions are in order.
First, avoid wild animals that appear to be sick. Wear rubber gloves when field dressing
game, and avoid eating tissues and organs other than muscle. Wash and disinfect hands
and all processing areas when butchering your own venison. If possible, drop off your deerhave
your deer tested at a CWD testing facility found in many towns. This service is free
and easy, and it helps track the possible spread of CWD in Kansas. The Kansas Department
of Wildlife and Parks website lists locations for free testing sites.
Lymph nodes taken from between the deer’s eye and ear, as well as teeth for aging, are
sent to Kansas State University for evaluation, so you’ll not know the outcome of your tested
deer unless it turns out positive. In that case, you’ll be notified.
Samples call for brief information, such as hunter contact info and where the deer was
shot. Kansas Wildlife and Parks has collected and tested more than 20,000 samples since
1996, and the goal will be approximately 2,900 for 2010-2011.hopes to get sample information
on approximately 3000 deer statewide. More information about CWD and testing can be found
in the 2010 Hunting and Furharvesting Regulations Summary.
I’m Mike Blair for Kansas Wildlife and Parks.