*News : Debilitating Disease Found in WV Deer
Posted by sabraham on 2005/9/29 19:23:01 (69 reads)
NBC25 NEWS- As deer hunting season kicks off in Pennsylvania this Saturday some new restrictions are being put on deer farms to protect the health of the animals and hunters.
The Department of Agriculture is making it mandatory to test deer and elk for chronic wasting disease, a debilitating disorder which resembles Mad Cow Disease.
Just a few weeks ago, deer near Romney, West Virginia in Hampshire County was confirmed to have Chronic Wasting Disease. This area is just twenty five miles from the Pennsylvania line and has caused concern.
“We're very concerned this is the second time we have had a neighboring state, earlier this year is was found in New York. We're just continuing to be hopeful that it has not entered the state," said said Jerry Feaser, from PA Game Commission.
"In the unfortunate case that it has come to Pennsylvania we are prepared with a comprehensive plan to try and contain the disease and eradicate it,” said Feaser.
Although there is no scientific proof this disease can not be caught by humans, officials are recommending that if you come upon an animal that is acting strangely to not shoot it and do not handle the animal.
Folks are advised to call the Game Commission as soon as possible and alert them to the animal’s location so they can contain it and test for the disease.
Reported by Gretchen Gailey
ggailey@nbc25.com
Watch out Maryland