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First Confirmed Case Of Mad Deer CWD In Maryland
By Patricia A. Doyle DVM, PhD
2-13-11
 
CHRONIC WASTING DISEASE, CERVID - USA (05) (MARYLAND)
 
 
Date: 10 Feb 2010
Source: Maryland Department of Natural Resources [edited]
http://www.dnr.state.md.us/dnrnews/pressrelease2011/021011a.asp?
Chronic wasting disease found in a white-tailed deer in Maryland
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The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) received laboratory confirmation on 10 Feb 2011 that a white-tailed deer harvested in Maryland tested positive for chronic wasting disease (CWD). This is the 1st confirmed case of CWD in Maryland. A hunter in Allegany County reported taking the deer on 27 Nov 2010 in Green Ridge State Forest. Maryland joins 20 other states and Canadian provinces with CWD documented in deer, elk or moose.
 
"Our team of wildlife professionals has been preparing for this result for some time so we are well-informed and ready to limit the impact of this event," said Paul Peditto, director of DNR's Wildlife and Heritage Service. "We have sampled intensively for this disease since 2002 and see this as an unfortunate but somewhat inevitable outcome. The good news is that our preparation and planning ensure a sound scientific foundation for our response to this single positive test result. With the continued cooperation of hunters, farmers, deer processors and landowners who have supported our monitoring effort, we will manage this deer disease consistent with the best available science and with minimal impact on our deer population and the people who enjoy these great animals."
 
"Concerns over CWD should not stop anyone from enjoying venison," added Peditto, who explained that only 4 species of the deer family are known to be susceptible to CWD: elk, mule deer, moose and white-tailed deer. Of these, only the white-tailed deer occurs in the wild in Maryland and there are no reported cases of transmission to humans or other animals.
 
As always, hunters are advised to exercise caution and never consume the meat of sick animals. Hunters are also advised to avoid contact with the brain, spinal column or lymph nodes of deer -- all of which are normally removed during the butchering process.
 
This is the 1st positive sample out of nearly 6800 deer tested in Maryland since 1999. From 2002 until 2009 that sampling occurred statewide. In 2010, sampling efforts were focused on Allegany and western Washington counties due to the presence of positive cases in nearby West Virginia and Virginia. West Virginia 1st detected CWD in Hampshire County in 2005 and it was found in Frederick County, Virginia in early 2010.
 
"Maryland will continue to work closely with the wildlife professionals in our adjacent states to share information and coordinate response efforts. However, our primary goal is to ensure the public is fully informed and knows what we know when we know it. We want to be certain that every interested Marylander understands this disease and recognizes that there is no risk to people, pets or domestic livestock. As in every other state with CWD, we will respond appropriately while ultimately learning to live with this disease with little impact to our wildlife or citizens," Peditto concluded.
 
For more information on CWD in Maryland and the DNR Response Plan, please visit the DNR website at
http://www.dnr.maryland.gov/wildlife/Hunt_Trap/deer/disease/cwdinformation.asp
--
communicated by:
ProMED-mail
promed@promedmail.org
This represents an expansion of the disease, but Maryland seems to be surrounded by it, and so it was only a matter of time as diseases have no respect for borders.
 
However, Maryland is to be commended for not over-reacting to a disease that has been in the US for many decades now.
 
The warning for hunters is appropriate. Continued surveillance is appropriate. We hope your case rate remains low. - Mod.TG
 
The interactive HealthMap/ProMED map for Maryland is available at
 
http://healthmap.org/r/012S - CopyEd.EJP
 
 
 
Patricia A. Doyle DVM, PhD Bus Admin, Tropical Agricultural Economics Univ of West Indies Please visit my "Emerging Diseases" message board at:http://www.emergingdisease.org/phpbb/index.php Also my new website: http://drpdoyle.tripod.com/ Zhan le Devlesa tai sastimasa Go with God and in Good Health
 
Benjamin Franklin said, "They that 
can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve 
neither liberty nor safety." 
 
  
 
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