DWR currently checked deer for chronic wasting disease

PRICE, UTAH — Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) personnel are in the process of monitoring the presence and prevalence of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in the State of Utah. A small number of deer harvested in the state have tested positive for CWD during the past four years. Sportsmen participating in the general season rifle hunt, which opens this Saturday, October 22, are encouraged to participate in this disease monitoring effort.

DWR Wildlife Program Manager, Bill Bates, probes a deer's throat for lymph nodes, which are tested for CWD.

Testing for the disease is done by removing the lymph nodes in the throat of the deer. The abnormal prions (proteins) indicative of CWD tend to accumulate in these lymph node tissues. Lymph node samples from each deer sampled are sent to a laboratory in Logan and hunters can learn whether the deer has tested positive for CWD within four weeks.

Currently, there is no evidence to suggest that the disease can be transmitted to humans by eating or handling meat of infected animals. However, it is advised that hunters avoid consumption and direct contact with brain tissues, spinal fluids, and lymph nodes.

DWR personnel will be taking disease samples from deer harvested throughout the southeastern region. Hunters may encounter officers in the field or at check stations. Hunters who are not contacted and have questions regarding CWD can contact the Price DWR office at (435) 636-0260 during business hours, or (435) 820-8921 during non-business hours.

Castle Country hunters can have deer tested at a checking station behind the Walker's Truck Stop in Wellington between the hours of 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. from October 22 through October 26.