Chronic wasting disease found in Livingston County deer

Key Points:

• A deer in Livingston County, New York, has tested positive for chronic wasting disease (CWD), marking the state's first case in 21 years of this highly contagious and deadly disease affecting deer, elk, and moose.
• The disease, caused by misfolded proteins that damage the brain and nervous system, poses a serious threat to deer populations, though no human cases have been confirmed; hunters are advised to avoid consuming sick animals.
• The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) now requires hunters in six towns—Conesus, Groveland, North Dansville, Sparta, Springwater, and West Sparta—to submit deer samples for CWD testing through DEC check stations, meat processors, taxidermists, or head collection bins.
• To contain the disease, the DEC is prohibiting movement of deer from captive facilities in the affected area, banning rehabilitation of deer there, and restricting transport of deer products such as urine outside the containment zone.
• The increased testing aims to assess the disease's spread so wildlife officials can implement mitigation strategies to protect local deer populations.