Elk from Olmsted County herd depopulated to control CWD Three additional elk from the 558-head herd tested positive

News Release For Immediate Release: Friday October 30, 2009 Contact: Malissa Fritz, BAH Communications Director

Elk from Olmsted County herd depopulated to control CWD ST. PAUL, MINN. – The Minnesota Board of Animal Health announced today that the farmed elk herd in Olmsted County has been depopulated and tested for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD).

In January, 2009, a female elk from the herd tested positive for CWD. The remaining elk in the herd were removed to minimize the risk of CWD spreading to other farmed deer and elk or to wild white-tailed deer in the area. Marksmen from Wildlife Services, a division of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), euthanized the animals in September.

USDA, Veterinary Services and Board personnel collected samples from each elk. Those samples were submitted to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL) in Ames, Iowa for testing. Three additional elk from the 558-head herd tested positive for CWD, one male and two females.

In 2003, Minnesota implemented mandatory registration and CWD surveillance programs for farmed cervidae herds (members of the deer and elk family). When farmed cervidae over 16 months of age die or are slaughtered, herd owners must submit brain samples for CWD testing.

CWD is a fatal brain and nervous system disease found in cervidae in certain parts of North America. The disease is caused by an abnormally shaped protein called a prion, which can damage brain and nerve tissue. Infected animals show progressive loss of body weight with accompanying behavioral changes. In later stages of the disease, infected animals become emaciated (thus “wasting” disease). Other signs include staggering, consuming large amounts of water, excessive urination and drooling.

According to state health officials and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there is no evidence that CWD can be transmitted to humans.

For more information on CWD visit the Board of Animal Health website.

--30--


http://www.bah.state.mn.us/bah/releases/nr2009-10-30.html


http://www.bah.state.mn.us/index.html


Chronic wasting disease in 3 elk among 560 shot near Rochester Fears that disease could spread to wild deer prompted slaughter.

By MATT McKINNEY, Star Tribune

Last update: October 30, 2009 - 11:17 PM

Sharpshooters killed a farm herd of some 560 elk near Rochester this month, and tests of the animals found three infected with chronic wasting disease, state officials said Friday. The slaughter was ordered after one of the animals tested positive for the disease in January.

The animals lived on the 1,300-acre Elk Farm LLC near Pine Island, the largest elk farm in the state. The farm, bought by Tower Investments of Woodland, Calif., in 2006, is part of a 2,300-acre tract set to become a bioscience research and manufacturing center called Elk Run, with offices, shops, homes and 15 to 25 companies.

The carcasses were sent to a landfill, except for the three that tested positive, which were destroyed at a special facility at the University of Minnesota. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) paid Tower Investments a fair market value for the elk, said Paul Anderson, assistant director of the Minnesota Board of Animal Health.

The USDA sharpshooters began shooting the animals last month. Tests were conducted at a USDA lab in Ames, Iowa.

Chronic wasting disease kills elk and deer after infecting their brains and nervous system. The animals spread it through nose-to-nose contact. It does not spread to people. It was first detected in farmed elk in 2002, prompting fears that it could spread to the state's population of some 1 million wild deer.

Matt McKinney • 612-673-7329


http://www.startribune.com/business/67671522.html?elr=KArksc8P:Pc:U0ckkD:aEyKUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUU


Monday, January 05, 2009

CWD, GAME FARMS, BAITING, AND POLITICS


http://chronic-wasting-disease.blogspot.com/2009/01/cwd-game-farms-baiting-and-politics.html



TSS

Deer on western Bighorns has chronic wasting disease Shell Creek drainage Wyoming

Deer on western Bighorns has chronic wasting

Associated Press - October 14, 2009 7:15 AM ET

CODY, Wyo. (AP) - A mule deer buck killed on the west slope of the Bighorn Mountains has tested positive for chronic wasting disease.

The buck was killed last month in hunt area 46, in the Shell Creek drainage about 14 miles east of the town of Shell.

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department says that the closest previously known area with the disease was about 35 to 40 miles to the east, on the eastern slope of the Bighorns.

The game department says major health organizations have said the risk of humans contracting disease from infected wildlife appears to be low. However, they say that people shouldn't eat animals that look sick or that test positive for chronic wasting disease.

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.


http://www.localnews8.com/Global/story.asp?S=11310707



http://gf.state.wy.us/services/education/cwd/index.asp



Thursday, September 24, 2009

Validation of Use of Rectoanal Mucosa-Associated Lymphoid Tissue for Immunohistochemical Diagnosis of Chronic Wasting Disease in White-Tailed Deer



http://chronic-wasting-disease.blogspot.com/2009/09/validation-of-use-of-rectoanal-mucosa.html





Wednesday, October 14, 2009


Detection of protease-resistant cervid prion protein in water from a CWD-endemic area



http://chronic-wasting-disease.blogspot.com/2009/10/detection-of-protease-resistant-cervid.html





Monday, October 12, 2009


New Chronic Wasting Disease Surveillance Regulations Proposed for Free-Ranging and Captive Elk in Texas



http://chronic-wasting-disease.blogspot.com/2009/10/new-chronic-wasting-disease.html




Sunday, October 04, 2009

CWD NEW MEXICO SPREADING SOUTH TO TEXAS 2009



http://chronic-wasting-disease.blogspot.com/2009/10/cwd-new-mexico-spreading-south-to-texas.html



TSS

Detection of protease-resistant cervid prion protein in water from a CWD-endemic area

Detection of protease-resistant cervid prion protein in water from a CWD-endemic area

T.A. Nichols,1,2 Bruce Pulford,1 A. Christy Wyckoff,1,2 Crystal Meyerett,1 Brady Michel,1 Kevin Gertig,3 Edward A. Hoover,1 Jean E. Jewell,4 Glenn C. Telling5 and Mark D. Zabel1,*

1Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology; College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences; Colorado State University; Fort Collins, CO USA; 2National Wildlife Research Center; Wildlife Services; United States Department of Agriculture; Fort Collins, CO USA; 3Fort Collins Utilities; Fort Collins; CO USA; 4Department of Veterinary Sciences; Wyoming State Veterinary Laboratory; University of Wyoming; Laramie, WY USA; 5Department of Microbiology, Immunology, Molecular Genetics and Neurology; Sanders Brown Center on Aging; University of Kentucky; Lexington, KY USA

Key words: prions, chronic wasting disease, water, environment, serial protein misfolding cyclic amplification Abbreviations: CWD, chronic wasting disease; sPMCA, serial protein misfolding cyclic amplification; PrPC, cellular prion protein; PrPSc, disease-related, misfolded murine PrP; PrPCWD, disease-related, misfolded cervid PrP; PrPRES, protease-resistant PrP; FCWTF, Fort Collins water treatment facility

Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is the only known transmissible spongiform encephalopathy affecting free-ranging wildlife. Although the exact mode of natural transmission remains unknown, substantial evidence suggests that prions can persist in the environment, implicating components thereof as potential prion reservoirs and transmission vehicles.1-4 CWD-positive animals may contribute to environmental prion load via decomposing carcasses and biological materials including saliva, blood, urine and feces.5-7 Sensitivity limitations of conventional assays hamper evaluation of environmental prion loads in soil and water. Here we show the ability of serial protein misfolding cyclic amplification (sPMCA) to amplify a 1.3 x 10-7 dilution of CWD-infected brain homogenate spiked into water samples, equivalent to approximately 5 x 107 protease resistant cervid prion protein (PrPCWD) monomers. We also detected PrPCWD in one of two environmental water samples from a CWD endemic area collected at a time of increased water runoff from melting winter snow pack, as well as in water samples obtained concurrently from the flocculation stage of water processing by the municipal water treatment facility. Bioassays indicated that the PrPCWD detected was below infectious levels. These data demonstrate detection of very low levels of PrPCWD in the environment by sPMCA and suggest persistence and accumulation of prions in the environment that may promote CWD transmission.

snip...

The data presented here demonstrate that sPMCA can detect low levels of PrPCWD in the environment, corroborate previous biological and experimental data suggesting long term persistence of prions in the environment2,3 and imply that PrPCWD accumulation over time may contribute to transmission of CWD in areas where it has been endemic for decades. This work demonstrates the utility of sPMCA to evaluate other environmental water sources for PrPCWD, including smaller bodies of water such as vernal pools and wallows, where large numbers of cervids congregate and into which prions from infected animals may be shed and concentrated to infectious levels.

http://www.landesbioscience.com/journals/prion/NicholsPRION3-3.pdf





Monday, August 24, 2009

Third International CWD Symposium July 22-24, 2009 – Park City, Utah ABSTRACTS


http://chronic-wasting-disease.blogspot.com/2009/08/third-international-cwd-symposium-july.html




Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Infectious Prions in Pre-Clinical Deer and Transmission of Chronic Wasting Disease Solely by Environmental Exposure



http://chronic-wasting-disease.blogspot.com/2009_06_01_archive.html






TSS

New Chronic Wasting Disease Surveillance Regulations Proposed for Free-Ranging and Captive Elk in Texas

Texas Animal Health Commission Box l2966 * Austin, Texas 78711 * (800) 550-8242 * FAX (512) 719-0719

Bob Hillman, DVM * Executive Director

For info, contact Carla Everett, information officer, at 1-800-550-8242, ext. 710, or ceverett@tahc.state.tx.us

New Chronic Wasting Disease Surveillance Regulations

Proposed for Free-Ranging and Captive Elk in Texas

Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), a fatal, degenerative brain wasting of elk, white-tailed and mule deer, has not been detected in Texas, but maintaining surveillance for the condition is essential for animal disease response and trade purposes. The Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC), the state’s livestock and poultry health regulatory agency, has proposed new regulations to ensure adequate CWD surveillance of captive and free-ranging elk moved within the state. The TAHC will accept comments on the proposed elk rules through November 9, and the TAHC commissioners will consider the rules for adoption at their December 8 meeting in Austin.

“White-tailed deer and other deer species have been under existing CWD surveillance programs through the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) and the TAHC,” said Dr. Bob Hillman, Texas’ state veterinarian and TAHC executive director. “The TAHC also offers voluntary CWD herd status programs for captive deer and elk to qualify the animals to be moved to other states. Furthermore, the TAHC has had importation rules in place for several years.”

“Elk are not considered to be native to Texas, and although they are under the regulatory umbrella of the TAHC as exotic hoof stock, we did not have legal authority to require CWD testing of this species until House Bill 3330 went into effect September 1,” said Dr. Hillman. The newly enacted legislation not only provides the needed authority, but also sets a Class C misdemeanor penalty for noncompliance. “We have worked closely with an elk industry task force, to develop a CWD program for elk being moved within the state. This will not only provide the disease surveillance we need, but it will also assure the health and marketability of these magnificent animals.”

“The TAHC commissioners, at their September meeting, proposed the regulations that contain the four components necessary for adequate CWD surveillance of elk being transported from their premises: authority to conduct inspections of facilities, animals and records when necessary; movement record keeping; animal identification; and testing. If adopted, the proposed elk regulations would replace existing TAHC rules that are limited only to record keeping and the identification.”

The proposed CWD elk regulations:

· Distinguish captive elk as those contained behind a fence at least seven feet high and

free-ranging elk as those without the confines of a high fence.

· Require that any elk being moved or transported within the state have a visible, official identification device (ear tag) approved by the TAHC.

· Specify the content of reports that are to be completed and submitted to the TAHC within 48 hours of moving elk. Buyers and sellers of elk are to maintain records of elk movement for at least five years, and the TAHC is to be allowed access to ranch facilities and records when necessary for disease surveillance.

· Set the number of CWD tests that are required prior to moving elk from a herd.

The statistical test numbers are based on whether the elk are free-ranging or captive, and the number of animals being moved. In free-ranging elk herds, an average of one elk must be tested for every 10 moved. For captive elk herds, the testing rate is higher; one elk is to be tested for every five moved.

Under the TAHC’s proposed regulations, elk would be test-eligible at 16 months of age or older, and tests conducted in a herd would be valid for a year. Animals tested must be euthanized or harvested, allowing for the collection of brain tissue for laboratory examination.

“The captive elk herd testing is at a higher rate, as these animals are usually maintained in closer confines for long periods of time, creating a greater risk of transmission, if disease is present. CWD is manifested in infected mature deer and elk, and as the degenerative disease progresses, the animals may stagger, drop weight, lose bodily functions, grind their teeth, and salivate excessively,” said Dr. Hillman. “Because captive elk are sold and traded commercially, we also want to maintain the highest credibility for this industry, assuring high health standards.”

“Some groups of elk will be exempt from the CWD herd testing,” explained Dr. Hillman. “No testing of the herd is necessary if elk are being moved directly from the premises (farm or ranch) to a state- or federally inspected slaughter plant. Tissues can be collected for laboratory submission at the slaughter plant.”

Also exempt from testing are captive elk herds that have “Level A” status (one year) in the TAHC’s voluntary CWD monitored herd program. Owners of enrolled herds maintain annual inventories, identify animals individually, and ensure that testing is conducted when death losses occur in animals 16 months of age or older.

“Although we have not detected CWD in deer or elk in Texas, we must remain vigilant and prepared to address the disease,” said Dr. Hillman. TAHC regulations are in effect to address a CWD-infected deer or elk herd. Actions would include, but not be limited to long-term quarantine, epidemiological investigation of animals moved into and from the herd, and the humane euthanasia and testing of suspicious and high-risk animals,” said Dr. Hillman.

Comments on the TAHC’s proposed regulations must be submitted in writing by emailing: comments@tahc.state.tx.us, or by mailing them to: TAHC Comments, Box 12966, Austin, Texas 78711-2966. Comments must be received by November 9. Copies of the text of the proposed regulation may be obtained on the TAHC web site at http://www.tahc.state.tx.us . To have a copy faxed or mailed, call the TAHC at 800-550-8242, ext 710.

CWD was first recognized in 1967 in a research facility with captive wild deer in Colorado. Since then, the disease has also been detected in free-ranging elk in Colorado, in free-ranging deer and elk in Wyoming, South Dakota and New Mexico, and in free-ranging deer in Utah, Wisconsin, Illinois, West Virginia and New York. In Colorado and Wyoming, infected moose also have been found.

CWD-infected captive elk herds have been detected and depopulated in Oklahoma, Kansas, Colorado, Nebraska, South Dakota, Montana, Minnesota and Wisconsin. Infected captive deer herds have been depopulated in Minnesota and Wisconsin, and in Michigan and New York. As of March 2009, the USDA reported that infected captive elk herds existed in Colorado and Minnesota. A captive deer herd was under quarantine in Wisconsin.

Dr. Hillman said researchers believe CWD is transmitted when infected elk or deer are in close contact with others, or when their bodily wastes containing the disease-causing abnormal proteins, or “prions” contaminate feed or water. Once susceptible animals are exposed, deteriorative changes occur in the animal’s brain, eventually causing death.

“Hunters should always avoid sick, staggering or strange-acting animals,” said Dr. Hillman. “A number of diseases, including rabies, could cause erratic behavior. To date, there has been no evidence of spread of CWD to humans, but hunters should always take precautions when processing wild animals. Wear gloves, goggles and cover the nose and mouth to avoid blood splatter in wounds or the face. Wash thoroughly after handling an animal carcass. Make reports about staggering or erratic animals to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department or the Texas Animal Health Commission.”

---30---


http://www.tahc.state.tx.us/news/pr/2009/2009Oct_ElkCWDRulesProposed.pdf



Sunday, October 04, 2009

CWD NEW MEXICO SPREADING SOUTH TO TEXAS 2009


http://chronic-wasting-disease.blogspot.com/2009/10/cwd-new-mexico-spreading-south-to-texas.html



Monday, August 24, 2009

Third International CWD Symposium July 22-24, 2009 - Park City, Utah ABSTRACTS


http://chronic-wasting-disease.blogspot.com/2009/08/third-international-cwd-symposium-july.html



http://www.cwd-info.org/pdf/3rd_CWD_Symposium_utah.pdf



Tuesday, August 04, 2009 Susceptibilities of Nonhuman Primates to Chronic Wasting Disease


http://chronic-wasting-disease.blogspot.com/2009/08/susceptibilities-of-nonhuman-primates.html



TSS

CWD NEW MEXICO SPREADING SOUTH TO TEXAS 2009

2009 Summary of Chronic Wasting Disease in New Mexico New Mexico Department of Game and Fish

snip...

During the 2008 hunting season, New Mexico Department of Game and Fish (DGF) confirmed new cases of Chronic Wasting Disease in two mule deer harvested on McGregor Range during a military hunt and in another deer harvested on private land situated between the town of Timberon and McGregor Range. A number of CWD infected deer have originated from the area in and around Timberon where deer are numerous and concentrated. These cases are south of the Sacramento Mountains and might represent some expansion of the disease. All hunters were notified by telephone. During late February, 2009, and elk with clinical symptoms consistent with CWD was collected on the Rio Penasco in the Sacramento Mountains. This elk was subsequently confirmed to be in the advanced states of CWD, and is the third elk in New Mexico confirmed with CWD. The previous two elk with CWD were detected in 2005 within 10 miles of this case.

snip...

To date, New Mexico has confirmed CWD in 25 mule deer and 3 elk since CWD was first detected in 2002. CWD seems to be centered in the Organ/San Andres Mountain complex and in the Sacramento Mountains with cases radiating outward. Of all confirmed CWD cases, 17 have come from Game Management Unit (GMU) 19, 8 from GMU 34, and 3 from GMU 28. ...

snip...see full text, page 22 ;


http://www.cwd-info.org/index.php/fuseaction/resources.meetingsSymposia




SEE MAPs ;



http://www.wildlife.state.nm.us/conservation/disease/cwd/cwd_map.htm




http://www.wildlife.state.nm.us/conservation/disease/cwd/documents/cwd_flyer.pdf




http://wildlifedisease.nbii.gov/documents/Images/NA_CWD_10_2008.jpg




Rio Penasco



http://www.epa.gov/surf/hucs/images/13060010l.gif




SEE CLOSE PROXIMENTY OF Timberon, NM, to Texas Border ;



http://pics2.city-data.com/city/maps5/frt6074.png




NOW, compare to CWD sampling in area of CWD spreading south to Texas and NM border here ;



http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us//huntwild/wild/diseases/cwd/management_plan/appendix_a/




IS and or HAS Texas really been looking for CWD ??? or is it kinda like the Texas BSE mad cow triple SSS policy ???

you be the judge.

Texas would not know if they had CWD, if it were spreading from this area, in my opinion.

PLUS, stupidity and greed like this does not helps us. see also;



CWD Update 90a March 10, 2008 Miscellaneous The following press release was issued by the United States Department of Justice on 2/26/08:


http://www.usdoj.gov/usao/txe/news_release/news/EDTX_EICHENOUR022608.html





TWO GUILTY OF IMPORTING DEER INTO TEXAS SHERMAN,

TX – United States Attorney John L. Ratcliffe announced today that two men have pleaded guilty to illegally importing wildlife into in the Eastern District of Texas. ROBERT LAWRENCE EICHENOUR, 51, of Bedias, Texas and BRIAN BECKER, 37, of Madelia, Minnesota, pleaded guilty to the charges today before United States Magistrate Judge Don D. Bush. According to information presented in court, Eichenour and Becker arranged for the secret purchase and sale of whitetail deer, after which they were transported in interstate commerce into Texas and to the Circle E Ranch, owned by Eichenour. The importation and the possession of deer acquired from an out-of-state source are prohibited by both state and federal law because of the risk of disease transmission. The defendants each face up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $20,000.00 at sentencing. A sentencing date has not been set. This case is being investigated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shamoil Shipchandler.




http://wildlifedisease.nbii.gov/documents/CWD%20Updates/Update%2090a.pdf




http://www.usdoj.gov/usao/txe/news_release/news/EDTX_EICHENOUR022608.html





http://chronic-wasting-disease.blogspot.com/2009/01/cwd-game-farms-baiting-and-politics.html




http://chronic-wasting-disease.blogspot.com/2008/11/commentary-crimes-hurt-essence-of.html





ALSO, NOTE MINERAL LICKS A POSSIBLE SOURCE AND TRANSMISSION MODE FOR CWD ;


http://chronic-wasting-disease.blogspot.com/2009/08/third-international-cwd-symposium-july.html




http://www.cwd-info.org/pdf/3rd_CWD_Symposium_utah.pdf





----- Original Message -----

From: "Terry S. Singeltary Sr."
Sent: Saturday, December 23, 2006 1:47 PM
Subject: CWD in New Mexico 35 MILES FROM TEXAS BORDER and low testing sampling figures -- what gives TAHC ???


http://lists.ifas.ufl.edu/cgi-bin/wa.exe?A2=ind0612&L=sanet-mg&P=23557




THREE NEW CASES OF CWD were announced in this same location this month ;. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, JULY 7, 2006:. 3 SOUTHERN NEW MEXICO DEER TEST POSITIVE FOR ...

Subject: Fw: CWD in New Mexico 35 MILES FROM TEXAS BORDER and low testing sampling figures -- what gives TAHC ???
From: "Terry S. Singeltary Sr." <[log in to unmask]>
Reply-To: Sustainable Agriculture Network Discussion Group <[log in to unmask]>
Date: Thu, 28 Dec 2006 12:03:19 -0600 Content-Type: text/plain Parts/Attachments: text/plain (1911 lines)

----- Original Message -----

From: "Terry S. Singeltary Sr." <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Saturday, December 23, 2006 1:47 PM
Subject: CWD in New Mexico 35 MILES FROM TEXAS BORDER and low testing sampling figures -- what gives TAHC ???
Subject: CWD in New Mexico 35 MILES FROM TEXAS BORDER and low testing sampling figures -- what gives TAHC ???
Date: December 23, 2006 at 11:25 am PST


Greetings BSE-L members,

i never know if i am going crazy or just more of the same BSe. several years ago i brought up the fact to the TAHC that CWD was literally at the Texas borders and that the sample size for cwd testing was no where near enough in the location of that zone bordering NM. well, i just wrote them another letter questioning this again on Dec. 14, 2006 (see below) and showed them two different pdf maps, one referencing this url, which both worked just fine then. since then, i have NOT received a letter from them answering my question, and the url for the map i used as reference is no longer working? i had reference this map several times from the hunter-kill cwd sampling as of 31 August 2005 pdf which NO longer works now??? but here are those figures for that zone bordering NM, for those that were questioning the url. the testing samples elsewhere across Texas where much much more than that figure in the zone bordering NM where CWD has been documented bordering TEXAS, near the White Sands Missile Range. SO, why was the Texas hunter-kill cwd sampling as of 31 August 2005 document removed from the internet??? you know, this reminds me of the infamous TEXAS MAD COW that i documented some 7 or 8 months before USDA et al documented it, when the TAHC accidentally started ramping up for the announcement on there web site, then removed it (see history at bottom). i am not screaming conspiracy here, but confusious is confused again on the ciphering there using for geographical distribution of cwd tissue sample size survey, IF they are serious about finding CWD in TEXAS. common sense would tell you if cwd is 35 miles from the border, you would not run across state and have your larger samples there, and least samples 35 miles from where is what found..........daaa..........TSS

THEN NOTICE CWD sample along that border in TEXAS, Three Year Summary of Hunter-Kill CWD sampling as of 31 August 2005 of only 191 samples, then compare to the other sample locations ;


http://www.tahc.state.tx.us/animal_health/diseases/cwd/CWD_Sampling_Aug2005.pdf



http://209.85.165.104/search?q=cache:rH-1sQfZqtQJ:www.ngpc.state.ne.us/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi%3Fubb%3Dget_topic%3Bf%3D12%3Bt%3D000492+Texas+hunter+kill+sample+for+CWD+to+Aug+31,+2005&hl=en&gl=us&ct=clnk&cd=3



TPWD has been conducting surveys of hunter-kill animals since 2002 and has collected more than 7300 samples (as of 31 August 2005). In total, there have been over 9400 samples, both hunter-kill and private samples, tested in Texas to date, and no positives have been found.


http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/huntwild/wild/diseases/cwd/



SO, out of a total of 9,400 samples taken for CWD surveillance in TEXAS since 2002 of both hunter-kill and private kill, ONLY 191 samples have been taken in the most likely place one would find CWD i.e. the border where CWD has been documented at TEXAS and New Mexico

latest map NM cwd old data


http://www.wildlife.state.nm.us/conservation/disease/cwd/where_is_it.htm



http://www.wildlife.state.nm.us/conservation/disease/cwd/cwd_map.htm



CWD in New Mexico ;

What is the Department doing to

prevent the spread of CWD?

Chronic wasting disease (CWD) was recently

detected in a mule deer from

Unit 34. Until 2005, CWD had only been found

in Unit 19. With this discovery, the Department

will increase its surveillance of deer and elk

harvested in Units 29, 30 and 34.

Lymph nodes and/or brain stems from every

harvested deer and brain stems from all elk

taken in Unit 34 will be sampled.

snip...


http://www.wildlife.state.nm.us/conservation/disease/cwd/documents/cwd_flyer.pdf



http://www.wildlife.state.nm.us/conservation/disease/cwd/documents/cwdmap.pdf



http://www.wildlife.state.nm.us/documents/cwdcontrolmap.pdf



http://list.uvm.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0512b&L=safety&P=11092



http://www.aphis.usda.gov/vs/nahps/cwd/cwd-distribution.html



http://www.wildlife.state.nm.us/documents/CWD_QandA.pdf



CWD SURVEILLANCE TEXAS


http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us//huntwild/wild/diseases/cwd/management_plan/status/



IMPLEMENTATION OF A GEOGRAPHICALLY FOCUSED CWD SURVEILLANCE PROGRAM FOR FREE-RANGING CERVIDS A geographically-focused free-ranging cervid Monitoring Program was implemented during the fall 2002 deer-hunting season. Brain stem samples from hunter-killed deer will be obtained from TPWD Wildlife Management Areas (WMA), State Parks, and where otherwise available with hunter and/or landowner permission, from deer taken on private land. Volume 1, Sixth Edition of United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Veterinary Services, Regulatory Statistics (Appendix D1) indicates that 148 samples is sufficient to detect disease at two per-cent prevalence, regardless of the population size. Therefore the goal is to acquire 148 samples from each of the State's ten ecoregions provided adequate sampling distribution is achieved across each ecoregion. The five year 2002 -2006, goal is to cumulatively collect 459 samples from each of the ten ecoregions. The cumulative sample would be used statistically to detect CWD at one per-cent prevalence level with 99 per-cent confidence. However, funding from APHIS/USDA could provide the necessary funds for sampling at the one per-cent prevalence level each year. TAHC conducted a risk assessment of counties where deer and elk have been imported and where high densities of free-ranging deer occur. The assessment was conducted for USDA funding consideration. The risk assessment was based on limited number of criteria. Since CWD could potentially occur anywhere in Texas, monitoring efforts would be focused to achieve a stratified sampling scheme across each ecoregion of the State.

Confidentiality laws restrict the type of data TPWD personnel can collect as it relates to a specific parcel of land. Therefore, personnel will ensure that no property specific information is collected (i.e. ranch name or exact location) without the landowner's written permission. The following are guidelines for data and sample collection distributed to TPWD personnel prior to sample collection:

A Texas Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) Accession Form must be submitted with brain stem samples. The most important items to be filled out are the TPWD employee name, address and phone number, and "Patient/Deer ID". County of Kill can be recorded on the bottom of the form, but DO NOT report any information that identifies the specific parcel of land. The "Patient/Deer ID" number MUST BE specific to the field data sheet the employee is using to record data. Specific CWD field data sheets will not be provided, as current field data sheets (i.e. Age/Weight Antler Data Sheets, Hunter Check Station Data Sheets, etc.) will be appropriate in most cases. Field staff may produce their own CWD data sheet if necessary. The field data sheet must contain: Employee Name Sample Number (same as Patient/Deer ID on TVMDL Accession Form Sample Date Deer Age Deer Sex County of Kill Hunter Name Hunting License Number Ranch name or tract name/location ONLY with landowner permission. Should a CWD positive be detected, TAHC will use hunter contact information to conduct CWD investigation under their regulatory authority. Make sure the container containing the brain stem sample is legibly identified with the sample number, deer age and sex, county of kill and date. Although the sample number is all that is needed, additional information will help resolve any problems should batches of samples be combined. Should a landowner retain deer heads for our sampling purposes, remind the landowner to issue the hunters a proof of sex document as provided for in TAHC 65.10 (c). In addition, a Wildlife resource document (PWD 905) must accompany the head until the carcass reaches a final destination and finally processed. Samples MAY NOT be taken from legally harvested deer without the hunter's consent.


http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us//huntwild/wild/diseases/cwd/management_plan/implementation/



ACTIONS SHOULD A CWD POSITIVE BE DETECTED Should sampling detect a CWD positive animal, TAHC and TPWD would activate the Media Response Plan (Appendix F). TAHC and TPWD would immediately begin review of the information at hand and determine the action to be taken within the Response Plan (Appendix C.) The first action should be to inform landowners adjacent to the property containing the CWD positive and hold a meeting with advisory committees and affected landowner to discuss plans for secondary sampling. Planning for secondary sampling, investigating movements of deer into and away from property for further actions would then be the next step. The secondary sampling is critical for determining distribution and prevalence of the disease.

As distribution and prevalence is being determined, information review and discussions with TPWD advisory committees (e.g., Private Lands Advisory Board, Hunting Advisory Committee, White-tailed Deer Advisory Committee etc.) and landowners would take place in order to determine the appropriate management action to be taken.


http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us//huntwild/wild/diseases/cwd/management_plan/detection/



and the discovery of several CWD positive mule deer in New Mexico, approximately 35 miles north of the Texas border were well out of the known boundaries of the disease.

The disease prevalence appears to be increasing in localized areas, although it is not clear whether this is due to increased incidence, or increased surveillance, reporting, and testing. Information from states with direct experience in managing CWD is being used for developing Texas plans as we learn from their experiences.

TPWD and TAHC are developing stepped up targeted and geographically-focused surveillance plans to monitor free-ranging deer for the presence of the disease and a rapid response plan to guide both TPWD and TAHC should CWD be detected in the State. TPWD and TAHC are also evaluating cervid management laws, rules, and policies for free ranging and scientific breeder permitted cervids under their authority to identify issues and potential weaknesses related to disease management. In these efforts, TPWD and TAHC will work with other agencies and organizations responsible for or are concerned about cervid disease management in an attempt to ensure comprehensive approaches to effective management of CWD risks (see Appendix C: Importation of Susceptible Cervids).


http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/huntwild/wild/diseases/cwd/management_plan/plan/



----- Original Message -----

From: Terry S. Singeltary Sr. To: [log in to unmask]
Sent: Thursday, December 14, 2006 9:52 PM
Subject: cwd at Texas border and low sampling figures ???

Greetings TAHC,

can someone please explain to me any reasoning at all for the very low sampling for CWD which have been taken where CWD is literally right at the steps of one of Texas borders, but yet across the state elsewhere, the numbers for testing increases ???

i do not understand the low sampling for cwd size where it is at our borders, compared to the highter numbers elsewhere???

see Texas hunter kill sample for CWD to Aug 31, 2005


http://www.tahc.state.tx.us/animal_health/diseases/cwd/CWD_Sampling_Aug2005.pdf



see map where CWD has been documented at Texas border in free ranging deer and elk


http://www.aphis.usda.gov/vs/nahps/cwd/images/counties_lg.jpg



kind regards,

Terry


SNIP...SEE FULL TEXT ;


http://lists.ifas.ufl.edu/cgi-bin/wa.exe?A2=ind0612&L=sanet-mg&P=23557



Subject: CWD 3 NEW CASES SOUTHERN NEW MEXICO

Date: July 10, 2006 at 8:51 am PST


http://www.fsis.usda.gov/OPPDE/Comments/2006-0011/2006-0011-1.pdf





Thursday, September 10, 2009


Experimental oral transmission of CWD to red deer (Cervus elaphus elaphus): early detection and late stage distribution of protease-resistant protein


http://chronic-wasting-disease.blogspot.com/2009/09/experimental-oral-transmission-of.html





Thursday, September 24, 2009

Validation of Use of Rectoanal Mucosa-Associated Lymphoid Tissue for Immunohistochemical Diagnosis of Chronic Wasting Disease in White-Tailed Deer


http://chronic-wasting-disease.blogspot.com/2009/09/validation-of-use-of-rectoanal-mucosa.html





TSS