Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Planned elk drive from Wind Cave National Park raises question about spread of disease

Planned elk drive from Wind Cave National Park raises question about spread of disease

February 25, 2013 5:30 am • Kevin Woster Journal staff

A relocation plan aimed at reducing the elk herd in Wind Cave National Park and building elk numbers nearby has some critics worried about the spread of chronic wasting disease.

Wildlife officials at Wind Cave and adjoining Custer State Park are cooperating on a plan to use helicopters in early March to push hundreds of elk out of Wind Cave, where they have outgrown available habitat. The plan is to reduce the number of elk in Wind Cave and bolster the elk population in the adjoining national forest and Custer State Park, where the elk herd has dropped.

It is considered a win-win plan by those involved, but it worries critics who include former state Game, Fish & Parks Department wildlife specialist John Wrede of Rapid City. And chronic wasting disease is at the heart of that worry.

Wind Cave has been in a troubled area for the fatal brain disorder affecting elk and deer since a CWD-infected captive elk herd on private land adjoining the park had to be destroyed in the 1990s.

CWD apparently spread from that captive herd into wild elk in the park, causing a problem there that, based on limited data, appears to produce higher rates of infection in elk than elsewhere in the Black Hills.

"When considering just elk, the prevalence rate in and immediately around Wind Cave is far greater than anyplace else in South Dakota," Wrede said. "In fact, you could put Wind Cave directly in the center of what could easily be referred to as an endemic area, where managers and epidemiologists should be trying to figure out how to keep the area from growing larger."

Forcing hundreds of elk out of the park seems to work against such containment, Wrede said.

Wind Cave wildlife officials argue that a drive is unlikely to cause a significant increase in CWD elsewhere in the Black Hills. They also point out that the elk herd in Wind Cave is thriving in spite of CWD, to the point where the reduction plan was needed.

And the higher rates of CWD in the park's elk herd should be kept in perspective, said park biological science technician Duane Weber and natural resource manager Greg Schroeder.

They admit that the numbers of infected elk appear startling, based on limited survey results. Out of 140 elk tested in the park since 1998, 45 have tested CWD positive.

But there's a catch. Those were not random tests. They were tests on elk that were either dead or sick, unlike the more random testing done elsewhere in the Black Hills by GF&P, primarily from elk shot by hunters.

Those test results, based on 15 years of sampling, indicate a CWD infection rate throughout the Hills in deer and elk of slightly less than 1 percent. But comparing the two types of tests isn't fair, Weber said.

"The animals we test are either sick and we suspect chronic wasting and we shoot them, or they've already died and we test them," Weber said. "So it's way higher. Comparing our tests to the state's results is apples and elephants."

It's difficult to know what a more random testing system would show, since Wind Cave doesn't allow hunting within park boundaries.

"In a nutshell, we don't have a very good handle on what our prevalence is, whether it's higher or lower overall," Weber said.

The closest study Wind Cave has to the more random state surveys was a 3-year mortality study based on elk fitted with tracking collars. It indicated that 3 percent of the collared elk that died were CWD infected. For perspective, that was the same rate as those determined to have been killed by mountain lions in the park.

Hunter mortality on those collared elk was 6 to 7 percent, on animals that migrated outside the park during the hunting season, Weber said.

Weber and Schroeder said it should also be noted that Wind Cave elk have been moving in and out of the park for years. Portions of the herd have moved over low spots in fences to reach federal or private forest for calving season, Weber said.

Recent upgrades give Wind Cave officials more control over when and where elk leave and return to the park.

Wrede is pretty sure the Wind Cave rates are higher, regardless of variations in testing protocol. The CWD problem in the Black Hills pretty clearly began with the captive elk herd near Wind Cave and spread into the wild elk in the park and then beyond, he said.

"There may be a better than fair probability that, at least in the case of elk, animals historically testing positive for CWD had origins in Wind Cave National Park," Wrede said.

The issue isn't lost on John Kanta, GF&P regional wildlife manager in Rapid City. He noted that elk have migrated in and out of Wind Cave for years but also said the helicopter drive will get into parts of the population that tended not to leave the park. And now they will.

"We're certainly going to be pushing some animals into areas where they haven't been before, from a place where there has been a higher prevalence of the disease," Kanta said."That's certainly a concern that we've discussed among the staff."

Even so, Kanta doubts the CWD impacts outside the park will be dramatic. And he said the upside of redistributing elk will benefit Wind Cave wildlife and habitat management and hunters and wildlife watchers outside the park.

Building the herd in Custer State Park, where limited elk hunting is typically allowed, and on U.S. Forest Service land nearby will benefit elk hunters and elk watchers, Kanta said.

Weber said the positive side of the plan is big.

"We don't know exactly what's going to happen when these elk go out," he said. "But we think the benefit of this project far outweigh any detriments we might see."

http://rapidcityjournal.com/news/planned-elk-drive-from-wind-cave-national-park-raises-question/article_d4807b7f-a29f-541c-a74e-63219e2fdbcb.html

just when you think it can’t get worse, dumb and dumber step up to the plate. this is about as dumb, if not dumber, than the blunder at Colorado Division of Wildlife Foothills Wildlife Research Facility in Fort Collins, where cwd was first documented.

sometimes, you just can’t fix stupid. ...tss

this should never happen!

Friday, February 22, 2013

SOUTH DAKOTA CHRONIC WASTING DISEASE CWD UPDATE FEBRUARY 22, 2013

http://chronic-wasting-disease.blogspot.com/2013/02/south-dakota-chronic-wasting-disease.html

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

*** A Growing Threat How deer breeding could put public trust wildlife at risk

http://chronic-wasting-disease.blogspot.com/2012/12/a-growing-threat-how-deer-breeding.html

Friday, November 16, 2012

Yellowstone elk herds feeding grounds, or future killing grounds from CWD

http://chronic-wasting-disease.blogspot.com/2012/11/yellowstone-elk-herds-feeding-grounds.html

Friday, February 08, 2013

*** Behavior of Prions in the Environment: Implications for Prion Biology

http://chronic-wasting-disease.blogspot.com/2013/02/behavior-of-prions-in-environment.html

Friday, November 09, 2012

*** Chronic Wasting Disease CWD in cervidae and transmission to other species

http://chronic-wasting-disease.blogspot.com/2012/11/chronic-wasting-disease-cwd-in-cervidae.html

Sunday, November 11, 2012

*** Susceptibilities of Nonhuman Primates to Chronic Wasting Disease November 2012

http://chronic-wasting-disease.blogspot.com/2012/11/susceptibilities-of-nonhuman-primates.html

Friday, December 14, 2012

Susceptibility Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in wild cervids to Humans 2005 - December 14, 2012

http://chronic-wasting-disease.blogspot.com/2012/12/susceptibility-chronic-wasting-disease.html

Friday, June 01, 2012

*** TEXAS DEER CZAR TO WISCONSIN ASK TO EXPLAIN COMMENTS

http://chronic-wasting-disease.blogspot.com/2012/06/texas-deer-czar-to-wisconsin-ask-to.html

Thursday, March 29, 2012

TEXAS DEER CZAR SAYS WISCONSIN DNR NOT DOING ENOUGH ABOUT CWD LIKE POT CALLING KETTLE BLACK

http://chronic-wasting-disease.blogspot.com/2012/03/texas-deer-czar-says-wisconsin-dnr-not.html

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Chronic Wasting Disease Detected in Far West Texas

http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/newsmedia/releases/?req=20120710a


Monday, February 11, 2013

TEXAS CHRONIC WASTING DISEASE CWD Four New Positives Found in Trans Pecos

http://chronic-wasting-disease.blogspot.com/2013/02/texas-chronic-wasting-disease-cwd-four.html


tss

posted by Terry S. Singeltary Sr. at 11:42 AM 0 Comments

Friday, February 22, 2013

SOUTH DAKOTA CHRONIC WASTING DISEASE CWD UPDATE FEBRUARY 22, 2013

SOUTH DAKOTA CHRONIC WASTING DISEASE CWD UPDATE FEBRUARY 22, 2013



Latest Chronic Wasting Disease Testing REsults


In the South Dakota CWD Surveillance period of July 1, 2011 to June 30, 2012 a total of 1,410 samples have been collected for CWD surveillance.


Breakdown of the sampling is as follows:


197 elk sampled -181 results returned as NOT Positive, 2 results pending - (14 POSITIVE ELK FOUND)


242 mule deer sampled -231 results returned as NOT Positive - (11 POSITIVE MD FOUND)


970 white-tailed deer -951 results returned as NOT Positive, 1 result pending - (18 POSITIVE WT FOUND)


List of the Positive cervids that have been found in South Dakota during the surveillance period of July 1, 2011 to June 30, 2012.


1. MD female from Rapid City Limits in Pennington County. (Sick/ Surv)


2. WT male from Custer City Limits in Custer County. (Sick/ Surv)


3. WT male from Unit 27B in Fall River County. (Sick/ Surv)


4. MD female from Unit 27B in Fall River County. (Sick/ Surv)


5. MD female from Unit 27B in Fall River County. (Sick/ Surv)


6. MD male from Unit 27B in Fall River County. (Hunter Harvest)


7. WT female from Unit 27B in Fall River County. (Hunter Harvest)


8. MD female from Unit 27B in Fall River County. (Hunter Harvest)


9. WT female from Unit 27B in Fall River County. (Hunter Harvest)


10. WT female from Unit 27B in Fall River County. (Hunter Harvest)


11. WT male from Unit 27B in Fall River County. (Hunter Harvest)


12. WT female from Unit 27B in Fall River County. (Hunter Harvest)


13. MD male from Unit 27B in Fall River County. (Hunter Harvest)


14. MD male from Unit 27A in Fall River County. (Hunter Harvest)


15. MD female from Unit 27B in Fall River County. (Hunter Harvest)


16. WT male from Unit 27B in Fall River County. (Hunter Harvest)


17. WT male from Unit 27B in Fall River County. (Hunter Harvest)


18. WT male from Unit 27B in Fall River County. (Hunter Harvest)


19. WT female from Unit 27B in Fall River County. (Hunter Harvest)


20. MD male from Unit 27A in Fall River County. (Hunter Harvest)


21. Elk male from Unit H3E in Fall River County. (Hunter Harvest)


22. MD female from Rapid City Limits in Pennington County. (Rapid City Deer Removal)


23. WT male from Custer City Limits in Custer County. (Custer City Deer Removal)


24. WT female from Custer City Limits in Custer County. (Custer City Deer Removal)


25. WT female from Custer City Limits in Custer County. (Custer City Deer Removal)


26. MD female from Unit 27B in Fall River County. ( Hunter Harvest)


27. WT female from Unit 27B in Fall River County. (Hunter Harvest)


28. Elk female from WCNP in Custer County. (Lion Kill)


29. Elk female from WCNP in Custer County. (Sick/ Surv)


30. Elk male from WCNP in Custer County. (Lion Kill)


31. Elk female from WCNP in Custer County. (Mud Mired)


32. WT male from WCNP in Custer County. (Lion Kill)


33. Elk male from WCNP in Custer County. (Lion Kill)


34. Elk female from WCNP in Custer County. (Lion Kill)


35. Elk female from WCNP in Custer County. (Sick/ Surv)


36. Elk female from WCNP in Custer County. (Sick/ Surv)


37. Elk female from WCNP in Custer County. (Lion Kill)


38. Elk female from WCNP in Custer County. (Lion Kill)


39. Elk female from WCNP in Custer County. (Lion Kill)


40. Elk female from WCNP in Custer County. (Sick/ Surv)


41. Elk male from WCNP in Custer County. (Sick/ Surv)


42. WT female from Unit BD3 in Pennington County. (Sick/Surv)


43. WT male from Unit 27B in Fall River County. (Sick/Surv)


In Summary:




South Dakota is reporting a total of 43 positive cervids (11 mule deer, 18 white-tailed deer and 14 elk) in the testing period of July 1, 2011 to June 30, 2012.


To date, South Dakota has found 216 cases of CWD (150 deer and 66 elk) in free ranging deer and elk since testing began in 1997. Wind Cave National Park accounts for 51 of these animals (41 elk, 10 deer). Four elk and 1 deer have been found in Custer State Park. A total of 24,640 wild deer and elk have been tested for CWD since 1997.















Animals tested from 1997-2012 by GFP and Wind Cave National Park consisted of 5,646 elk, 5,977 mule deer and 13,005 white-tailed deer. Two hundred and sixteen animals (150 deer, 66 elk) tested positive for CWD during this time period.


Animals tested from July 1, 2011 to June 31, 2012 by GFP and Wind Cave National Park consisted of 197 elk, 242 mule deer, and 970 white-tailed deer, and 1 moose. Forty-three animals tested positive for CWD during this CWD surveillance period. Twenty-eight deer and 2 elk were found by South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks that tested positive for CWD. Wind Cave National Park found 12 elk and 1 deer that tested positive for CWD.


As of June 30, 2012, a total of 24,630 wild deer and elk have been tested for CWD in South Dakota and 66 elk and 150 deer have been found to have the disease. All CWD detected to-date in free-roaming wildlife has been in southwestern South Dakota and includes Lawrence County, Pennington County, Fall River County, and Custer County and Wind Cave National Park. Sick deer from several areas of the state are being tested as part of our CWD Surveillance Program, and no CWD has been found in other areas in South Dakota.











HISTORY OF CWD IN SOUTH DAKOTA





South Dakota captive cervid facilities are managed by the South Dakota Animal Industry Board (SDAIB) while free-ranging cervids are managed by the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks (SDGFP). CWD was reported for the first time in South Dakota in November 1997 at captive elk facilities in McPherson County; infected elk were then traced back to captive elk herds under one ownership in and adjacent to the Black Hills. Investigations determined that eight other captive elk facilities in the state had exposed elk. All ten facilities were quarantined by the SDAIB; seven were found to harbor CWD-positive animals. Since initiation of quarantines in 1997, five of the quarantined captive facilities were depopulated because of the presence of positive animals or the inability to move animals from the site for the 5-year quarantine period imposed by the SDAIB. Positive captive herds remained on two sites as part of a research project to develop a live test for CWD in captive elk. The last of the two research herds was depopulated in February 2001, and the state was declared free of CWD in captive herds (S. Holland, South Dakota Animal Industry Board, Rapid City public presentation, June 25, 2002). One of the previous CWD facilities was allowed to be repopulated for the purpose of determining if any environmental contamination by CWD would result in infection of the new elk.





SDGFP has been testing for CWD in wild cervids since 1997. In 2001, of 502 hunter-harvested deer and elk tested, a single, hunter-harvested white-tailed deer was determined to be positive for the disease (Jacques et al. 2003). This deer was harvested in the vicinity of Oral in Fall River County. SDGFP initiated deer collections in March 2002 on lands within 5 miles of the kill site. A total of 52 deer was collected; none was found to be positive for the disease. To determine the occurrence of CWD in wild deer that may have spread from a CWD-positive captive cervid facility in northwest Nebraska near the South Dakota border, 90 deer were collected along the Nebraska border in the western half of Fall River County. An additional 92 deer also were collected on the Nebraska side of the border by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission in early spring 2002. All 182 deer tested negative for CWD. In August 2002, a previously unaffected captive elk facility adjacent to a previous CWD-positive captive elk facility in the southern Black Hills was found to contain CWD-positive elk. Also in the fall of 2002, a sick cow elk that was euthanized in the southern portion of Wind Cave National Park, and a deer killed by a vehicle in Rapid City were both found to be positive for CWD. Through June 2002, a total of 537 elk, 813 white-tailed deer, and 322 mule deer, which were all wild, hunter harvested animals, were sampled for CWD resulting in estimated overall disease prevalence of 0.001 % (95% CI = 0.0 to 0.007 %) for white-tailed deer, 0.0% (0.0 to 0.004%) for elk, and 0.0 % (0.0 to 0.011 %) for mule deer (Jacques et al. 2003). All of these prevalence rates fall far below the rates measured within CWD endemic areas.












CHRONIC WASTING DISEASE (CWD)


Chronic Wasting Disease was not identified in the farmed cervid herds in the state in FY 2011.


CWD testing of eligible animals from the farmed cervid industry in SD in FY 2011 totaled 391 animals.


Since late 1997, a total of 6,003 farmed cervids have been tested for CWD in South Dakota.


Since CWD was identified in farmed cervids in SD in late 1997 and a broad and strict CWD Surveillance program was implemented in 1998, the continued negative test results compliment the excellent surveillance program and the cooperation of the cervid industry in SD.


The cervid industry continues to experience contraction. Marketing opportunities currently are limited to sales of meat products, sale of “hunt” bulls, and a sporadic market for antler velvet (pilose).


As of June 15, 2011 there have been 23,220 wild cervids sampled for CWD in South Dakota with 173 positive results.


Effective January 1, 2012, USDA-APHIS is no longer funding lab costs for CWD testing. All costs for captive cervid testing are currently borne by producers.












> CWD testing of eligible animals from the farmed cervid industry in SD in FY 2011 totaled 391 animals.





really, only 391 ?



THAT IS A JOKE !



how many captive cervids in SD ?



sample survey of 391 only tells us that 391 samples did not have cwd, with testing they used.



all cervids should be tested on these game farms in my opinion. ...tss






Published Date: 2011-03-01 14:00:06 Subject: PRO/AH/EDR> Chronic wasting disease, cervid - USA (06): (SD), summary Archive Number: 20110301.0671




CHRONIC WASTING DISEASE, CERVID - USA (06): (SOUTH DAKOTA), SUMMARY




*******************************************************************




A ProMED-mail post




ProMED-mail is a program of the International Society for Infectious Diseases






Date: Mon 28 Feb 2011 [accessed]




Source: South Dakota Game Fish and Parks









Latest chronic wasting disease [CWD] testing results




----------------------------------------------------




In the South Dakota CWD Surveillance period of 1 Jul 2010-31 Jan 2011, a total of 1650 samples have been collected for CWD surveillance. In addition, 71 samples were collected from North Dakota hunters in cooperation with the North Dakota Game and Fish Department.




Breakdown of the SD sampling is as follows: - 243 elk sampled: 236 results returned as NOT positive; 4 results pending; 3 positive - 332 mule deer sampled: 324 results returned as NOT positive; 8 positive - 1075 white-tailed deer: 1061 results returned as NOT positive; 14 positive




To date, South Dakota has found 165 cases of CWD (118 deer and 47 elk) in free ranging deer and elk since testing began in 1997. Wind Cave National Park accounts for 34 of these animals (25 elk, 9 deer). 4 elk and 1 deer have been found in Custer State Park. A total of 23 143 wild deer and elk have been tested for CWD since 1997.




-- Communicated by: Terry S Singeltary Sr




[The South Dakota Game Fish and Parks did not post a date on this release, so I am uncertain how long it has been on their website. There is more information as to breakdown by counties on which deer are positive. For more information please visit their website at the source URL above. - Mod.TG]




[South Dakota can be seen on the HealthMap/ProMED-mail interactive map at <http://healthmap.org/r/0x4C>. - Sr.Tech.Ed.MJ]














Wednesday, July 13, 2011


CWD TEST RESULTS SOUTH DAKOTA 8 ELK AND 25 DEER POSITIVE July 1, 2010 to June 30, 2011








Thursday, December 10, 2009


SOUTH DAKOTA'S CHRONIC WASTING DISEASE (CWD) TESTING UPDATE –2009









SOUTH DAKOTA'S CHRONIC WASTING DISEASE (CWD) TESTING UPDATE -2008


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


As of 12-31-2008


1,895 total samples collected since July 1, 2008:


380 elk 419 mule deer 1,096 white-tailed deer Most samples are from the Black Hills and from prairie hunting units in Fall River, Custer, and eastern Pennington counties of western South Dakota. Most samples were taken from hunter-harvested animals. RESULTS As of 12-31-2008 we have received results from the SDSU Diagnostic Lab or Wind Cave National Park on 1,800 samples listed below.


380 elk 412 mule deer 1,008 white-tailed deer


Of the 1,800 samples tested to date, we have found 9 CWD positive Elk and 17 CWD positive deer. Below is a summary of these animals:


Elk female from Wind Cave National Park in Custer County. (Sick/Surveillance) Elk female from Unit H3B in Custer County. (Hunter Harvest) Elk male from Unit H3A in Custer County. (Hunter Harvest) Elk female from Wind Cave National Park in Custer County. (Sick/Surveillance) Elk male from Unit H3A in Custer County. (Hunter Harvest) White-tailed female from Unit BD4 in Custer County. (Sick/Surveillance) Elk female from Unit H3C in Fall River County. (Hunter Harvest) Elk female from Wind Cave National Park in Custer County. (Sick Surveillance) White-tailed female from Unit 27A in Custer County. (Hunter Harvest Mule deer male from Unit 27B in Fall River County. (Hunter Harvest)


Mule deer female from Unit 21B in Custer County. (Hunter Harvest)


White-tailed female from Unit 27B in Fall River County. (Hunter Harvest)


White-tailed male from Unit BD3 in Pennington County. (Sick/Surveillance)


Mule deer male from Unit 27B in Fall River County. (Hunter Harvest)


Mule deer female from Unit 27B in Fall River County. (Hunter Harvest)


Mule deer female from Unit 21B in Custer County. (Hunter Harvest)


Elk male from Wind Cave National Park in Custer County. (Sick Surveillance)


Mule deer male from Unit 27B in Fall River County. (Hunter Harvest)


White-tailed male from Unit 21A in Custer County. (Hunter Harvest)


Mule deer female from Unit 27A in Fall River County. (Hunter Harvest) Mule deer female from Unit 21A in Custer County. (Hunter Harvest)


Mule deer female from Unit 27B in Fall River County. (Hunter Harvest)


White-tailed male from Unit BH1 in Custer County. (Hunter Harvest)


Elk female from Unit H3C in Custer County. (Hunter Harvest)


Mule deer female from Hot Springs in Fall River County. (City Deer Removal)


Mule deer female from Hot Springs in Fall River County. (City Deer Removal)


In Summary: South Dakota Department of Game Fish and Parks and Wind Cave National Park has found 26 case of CWD (9 elk, 17 deer) in free ranging cervids in the testing period -July 1, 2008 to present.


To date, South Dakota has found 103 cases of CWD (71 deer and 32 elk) in free ranging deer and elk since testing began in 1997. Wind Cave National Park accounts for 24of these animals (16 elk, 8 deer). A total of 19,299 wild deer and elk have been tested for CWD since 1997.


Hunters may get their animal tested for chronic wasting disease by making their own arrangements directly through the SDSU Diagnostic Lab at (605) 688-5171.













South Dakota:


Steve Griffin, South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks, provides the following:


In the South Dakota CWD Surveillance period of July 1, 2007 to December 31, 2007 a total of 2,342 samples were collected for CWD surveillance.


Breakdown of the sampling is as follows:


475 elk sampled--


473 NOT Positive--


1 result pending (1 Positive Elk Found)


536 mule deer sampled--


518 NOT Positive--


13 results pending (5 Positive MD Found) 1,331 white-tailed deer--


1,300 NOT Positive--


23 results pending (8 Positive WT Found) Below is a listing of the positive cervids that have been found in South Dakota during the surveillance period of July 1, 2007 to December 31, 2007.


1. White-tailed deer female from Unit BD3 in Pennington County. (Hunter Harvest)


2. Elk female from Unit H3B in Custer County. (Hunter Harvest)


3. White-tailed deer female from Unit BD3 in Pennington County. (Vehicle Kill)


4. White-tailed deer male from Rapid City in Pennington County. (Vehicle Kill)


5. White-tailed female from Unit 21A in Pennington County. (Hunter Harvest)


6. White-tailed male from Unit 27B in Fall River County. (Hunter Harvest)


7. Mule deer male from Unit 27A in Fall River County. (Hunter Harvest)


8. Mule deer female from Unit 27B in Fall River County. (Hunter Harvest)


9. White-tailed female from Unit CU1 in CSP in Custer County. (Hunter Harvest)


10. White-tailed male from Unit 27A in Fall River County. (Hunter Harvest)


11. White-tailed female from Unit 27B in Fall River County. (Hunter Harvest)


12. Mule deer male from Unit 27B in Fall River County. (Hunter Harvest)


13. Mule deer male from Unit 27A in Fall River County. (Hunter Harvest)


14. Mule deer female from Unit 27A in Fall River County. (Sick/Surveillance)


In Summary:


South Dakota is reporting a total of 14 positive cervids (1 elk, 13 deer) in the testing period of July 1, 2007 to December 31, 2007.


To date, South Dakota has found 72 cases of CWD (52 deer and 20 elk) in free ranging deer and elk since testing began in 1997.


Wind Cave National Park accounts for 17 of these animals (9 elk, 8 deer).


Three elk and 1 deer have been found in Custer State Park.


A total of 17,188 wild deer and elk have been tested for CWD since 1997.


South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks CWD information is at:













To: Mad Cow USA From: flounder9@verizon.net Date: 2007-10-10 10:06:36 Subject: Seven deer, four elk found to have chronic wasting disease South Dakota


Subject: SOUTH DAKOTA Seven deer, four elk found to have CWD Date: October 10, 2007 at 7:33 am PST


Chronic wasting persists in Hills Seven deer, four elk found to have chronic wasting disease. By The Associated Press


PIERRE -- Seven deer and four elk were found to have chronic wasting disease from 2,539 samples in the most recent testing done for the state Department of Game, Fish & Parks.


All of the infected animals were from Custer, Fall River and Pennington counties in southwest South Dakota -- the location of all previous CWD cases in the wild.


Chronic wasting disease attacks the brain in deer and elk and is always fatal. It's been found in the wild in more than a half-dozen states.


Researchers test for the disease from samples submitted by hunters and from sick animals observed in the wild.


The positive cases in the July 1, 2006 to June 30, 2007 period included two elk from Custer State Park and an elk from Wind Cave National Park.


Samples also were taken in the past year from deer killed by hunters in Grant and Deuel counties in eastern South Dakota. Those counties were added to the surveillance plan because a CWD-infected deer was discovered at a farm in Minnesota.


The GF&P said testing will again be done on elk and deer taken by hunters this fall in the Black Hills and Fall River, Custer, Pennington, Deuel and Grant counties.


Thirty-nine cases of CWD have been found in deer and 19 in elk from the 18,846 samples tested in South Dakota since 1997, the GF&P said. Seventeen of the infected animals came from Wind Cave National Park.








Maps Showing Locations of Positive CWD Tests





Map of CWD Positives in S.D. 2006 - June 2007





Statewide View of Positive CWD Cases 2001 - June 2007





Map of CWD Positives in Black Hills 2006 to June 2007





Black Hills View of Positive CWD Cases 2001 - June 2007










Four Elk Positive For CWD - Results Just Now Released



Source Zwire.com 6-18-6



Four elk tested positive for chronic wasting disease over the winter at Wind Cave National Park in South Dakota.


Thirteen elk and 8 deer were tested for the fatal disease with the results just now becoming available. Animals tested came from road-killed animals and targeted surveillance for elk demonstrating clinical signs of the disease.


"Our on-going surveillance program to identify and remove suspect animals from our herds is helping us learn more about this disease in the park," said park biologist Dan Roddy.


"We are incorporating information gained from this active surveillance program into the development of our elk management plan that will address population filtered numbers and movement patterns both inside and outside park boundaries."


Since 1998, 123 deer and 34 elk in Wind Cave National Park have been tested for CWD.


Of those animals, 8 deer and 8 elk have tested positive for this disease that is similar to mad cow disease and thought to be caused by a "prion" or abnormal protein particle.


How the disease is transmitted is unknown, although at this time there is no evidence CWD can be transmitted to humans.










Nebraska Dept of Agriculture and Game and Parks



On April 9, 1998, chronic wasting disease (CWD) was diagnosed in a captive elk in Nebraska.


This discovery follows the confirmation of CWD in two captive elk herds in South Dakota earlier this year. ...


"We want to work with the game farmers as far as the economic effect, but will do what we need to protect the animals," Gertonson said.




*** The first case in a game farm elk was identified in last December in South Dakota.










South Dakota has taken legislative action to create a CWD control program for captive cervids.


Their program calls for a 5-year quarantine with monitoring of all affected, adjacent, or exposed captive cervid herds.


Monitored herds that maintain clean status are given certificates at annual milestones for years 1 through 4 and are designated "Certified CWD Cervid Herd" after 5 years of negative surveillance.


The Cervid CWD Surveillance Identification Program includes required examination of brain tissue from all dead cervids 18 months or older, including deaths by slaughter, hunting, illness, and injury.


The South Dakota State Veterinarian has forwarded the description of his State's program to the United States Animal Health Association along with the suggestion that it should be considered as a "starting place" for developing a Model CWD Control Program.


Persons interested in this document can obtain a copy from Dr. Sam Holland, South Dakota State Veterinarian, SD Animal Industry Board, 411 South Fort Street, Pierre, South Dakota 57501-4503.










Bad news on game farm elk Dr. Holland, South Dakota State Veterinarian 20 Dec 98 news release


Some initial SD data released by Dr. Holland, SD State Veterinarian was verified with two of his colleagues.


There are 39 game farm elk in South Dakota with confirmed chronic wasting disease in 1998, out of 179 tested (22%).


There are 4 or 5 herds involved - all are from game farm animals, none are from the fall hunt. The total number of elk studied is not yet available for wild elk. Two white-tail deer are also affected, also captive animals.










According to Saskatchewan's environment ministry, CWD was unintentionally introduced into farmed elk population taken from South Dakota and has since been introduced to Saskatchewan, Alberta, and Korea. The economics of trade in live elk and their products, such as antler velvet, has been affected as a result.















(Lion Kill) ???




Oral.29: Susceptibility of Domestic Cats to CWD Infection


Amy Nalls, Nicholas J. Haley, Jeanette Hayes-Klug, Kelly Anderson, Davis M. Seelig, Dan S. Bucy, Susan L. Kraft, Edward A. Hoover and Candace K. Mathiason† Colorado State University; Fort Collins, CO USA†Presenting author; Email: ckm@lamar.colostate.edu


Domestic and non-domestic cats have been shown to be susceptible to one prion disease, feline spongiform encephalopathy (FSE), thought to be transmitted through consumption of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) contaminated meat. Because domestic and free ranging felids scavenge cervid carcasses, including those in CWD affected areas, we evaluated the susceptibility of domestic cats to CWD infection experimentally. Groups of n = 5 cats each were inoculated either intracerebrally (IC) or orally (PO) with CWD deer brain homogenate. Between 40–43 months following IC inoculation, two cats developed mild but progressive symptoms including weight loss, anorexia, polydipsia, patterned motor behaviors and ataxia—ultimately mandating euthanasia. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) on the brain of one of these animals (vs. two age-matched controls) performed just before euthanasia revealed increased ventricular system volume, more prominent sulci, and T2 hyperintensity deep in the white matter of the frontal hemisphere and in cortical grey distributed through the brain, likely representing inflammation or gliosis. PrPRES and widely distributed peri-neuronal vacuoles were demonstrated in the brains of both animals by immunodetection assays. No clinical signs of TSE have been detected in the remaining primary passage cats after 80 months pi. Feline-adapted CWD was sub-passaged into groups (n=4 or 5) of cats by IC, PO, and IP/SQ routes. Currently, at 22 months pi, all five IC inoculated cats are demonstrating abnormal behavior including increasing aggressiveness, pacing, and hyper responsiveness. Two of these cats have developed rear limb ataxia. Although the limited data from this ongoing study must be considered preliminary, they raise the potential for cervid-to-feline transmission in nature.

















Friday, December 14, 2012


Susceptibility of domestic cats to chronic wasting disease












Friday, February 08, 2013


*** Behavior of Prions in the Environment: Implications for Prion Biology







Friday, November 09, 2012


*** Chronic Wasting Disease CWD in cervidae and transmission to other species







Sunday, November 11, 2012


*** Susceptibilities of Nonhuman Primates to Chronic Wasting Disease November 2012







Friday, December 14, 2012


Susceptibility Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in wild cervids to Humans 2005 - December 14, 2012







Thursday, May 31, 2012


CHRONIC WASTING DISEASE CWD PRION2012 Aerosol, Inhalation transmission, Scrapie, cats, species barrier, burial, and more







Thursday, December 25, 2008


Lions and Prions and Deer Demise


snip...


Greetings,


A disturbing study indeed, but even more disturbing, the fact that this very study shows the potential for transmission of the TSE agent into the wild of yet another species in the USA. Science has shown that the feline is most susceptible to the TSE agent. Will CWD be the demise of the mountain lions, cougars and such in the USA? How many have ever been tested in the USA? I recall there is a study taking place ;


Review A prion disease of cervids: Chronic wasting disease Christina J. Sigurdson et al ;


Mountain lion (Puma concolor) susceptibility to experimental feeding of CWD prions is currently under investigation (M. Miller and L. Wolfe, personal communication).


WHAT about multiple strains of CWD ?


0C7.04


North American Cervids Harbor Two Distinct CWD Strains



snip...






SNIP...SEE ;









Monday, February 14, 2011


THE ROLE OF PREDATION IN DISEASE CONTROL: A COMPARISON OF SELECTIVE AND NONSELECTIVE REMOVAL ON PRION DISEASE DYNAMICS IN DEER


NO, NO, NOT NO, BUT HELL NO !


Journal of Wildlife Diseases, 47(1), 2011, pp. 78-93 © Wildlife Disease Association 2011







UPDATED DATA ON 2ND CWD STRAIN


Wednesday, September 08, 2010


CWD PRION CONGRESS SEPTEMBER 8-11 2010









captive shooting pens




6. CHRONIC WASTING DISEASE:




a. All cervidae entering South Dakota MUST have the following statements on the signed official original certificate of veterinary inspection (health certificate):




“All cervidae identified on this certificate originate from a herd in which all cervidae have been kept for at least 3 years or into which they were born. There has been no exposure to or additions from any other source in the past 3 years.


There has never been diagnosis, signs, or epidemiological evidence of CWD in this herd. Records and causes of death for the past 3 years in this herd of origin are available to the Animal Health Officials of the state of origin. This herd has been 100% CWD monitored on all deaths involving animals 16 months of age and older in the past 3 years.”




“No animal has ever originated from, or been a member of a herd where CWD has been diagnosed, or been a member of a CWD trace-back or trace-forward herd, by an epidemiological investigation.”




7. Owner must also sign the health certificate verifying the statements are true and accurate.




8. Statement by Veterinarian: “I have read all ID tags on the animals in the shipment and verify they are all accurately listed.”





INTRASTATE MOVEMENT OF CERVIDAE CERVIDAE (ALL ELK, DEER, CARIBOU, ETC., AND ALL HYBRIDS)



1. Health certificate signed by a licensed, accredited veterinarian and shall have the following information:



a. Consignor's name, address and AIB possession permit number.



b. Consignee's name, address and AIB possession permit number.



c. Chronic Wasting Disease: The Following Statements Must Be On Health Certificate:




“All cervidae identified on this certificate originate from a herd in which all cervidae have been kept for at least 1 year or into which they were born. There has been no exposure to or additions from any other source in the past year. There has never been diagnosis, signs, or epidemiological evidence of CWD in this herd. Records and causes of death for the past year in this herd of origin are available to the State Veterinarian. This herd has attained a state CWD Monitored Herd Status of M1 or greater.”




“No animal has ever originated from, or been a member of a herd where CWD has been diagnosed, or been a member of a CWD trace-back or trace-forward herd, by an epidemiological investigation.”



2. Permit number issued by an Animal Industry Board veterinarian.



3. Individual official ID (ear tag #s or microchip) AND a plastic ear tag # listed on health certificate.



4. Owner must also sign the health certificate verifying all statements are true and accurate.



5. Statement by Veterinarian: “I have read all ID tags on the animals in the shipment and verify they are all accurately listed.”














Saturday, February 04, 2012



Wisconsin 16 age limit on testing dead deer Game Farm CWD Testing Protocol Needs To Be Revised









Thursday, February 09, 2012


50 GAME FARMS (to date) IN USA INFECTED WITH CHRONIC WASTING DISEASE










WISCONSIN SHOOTING PEN GAME FARM HAD THE HIGHEST INFECTION RATE EVER DOCUMENTED AT 80% INFECTION RATE FOR CWD...




Tuesday, December 20, 2011


CHRONIC WASTING DISEASE CWD WISCONSIN Almond Deer (Buckhorn Flats) Farm Update DECEMBER 2011


The CWD infection rate was nearly 80%, the highest ever in a North American captive herd.


RECOMMENDATION: That the Board approve the purchase of 80 acres of land for $465,000 for the Statewide Wildlife Habitat Program in Portage County and approve the restrictions on public use of the site.


Form 1100-001 (R 2/11) NATURAL RESOURCES BOARD AGENDA ITEM


SUBJECT: Information Item: Almond Deer Farm Update


FOR: DECEMBER 2011 BOARD MEETING TUESDAY TO BE PRESENTED BY TITLE: Tami Ryan, Wildlife Health Section Chief




SUMMARY:


















Friday, August 31, 2012


COMMITTEE ON CAPTIVE WILDLIFE AND ALTERNATIVE LIVESTOCK and CWD 2009-2012 a review









Tuesday, June 05, 2012


Captive Deer Breeding Legislation Overwhelmingly Defeated During 2012 Legislative Session









Tuesday, November 13, 2012


PENNSYLVANIA 2012 THE GREAT ESCAPE OF CWD









Wednesday, November 14, 2012


PENNSYLVANIA 2012 THE GREAT ESCAPE OF CWD INVESTIGATION MOVES INTO LOUISIANA and INDIANA










Wednesday, December 05, 2012


Senator Casey Urges USDA To Take Smart Steps to Implement New Measure That Could Help Combat Chronic Wasting Disease Among Deer


From: Terry S. Singeltary Sr.


Sent: Wednesday, December 05, 2012 11:50 AM


To: Press_office@casey.senate.gov Cc: ckauffman@yorkdispatch.com ; Terry S. Singeltary Sr.


Subject: Casey Urges USDA To Take Smart Steps to Implement New Measure That Could Help Combat Chronic Wasting Disease Among Deer










Pennsylvania CWD number of deer exposed and farms there from much greater than first thought


Published: Wednesday, October 17, 2012, 10:44 PM Updated: Wednesday, October 17, 2012, 11:33 PM








Tuesday, October 23, 2012


PA Captive deer from CWD-positive farm roaming free









Tuesday, December 18, 2012


*** A Growing Threat How deer breeding could put public trust wildlife at risk








Friday, November 16, 2012


Yellowstone elk herds feeding grounds, or future killing grounds from CWD











TSS

posted by Terry S. Singeltary Sr. at 8:48 PM 0 Comments

Thursday, February 21, 2013

Game and Fish Begins Study to Evaluate Chronic Wasting Disease Vaccine

Game and Fish Begins Study to Evaluate Chronic Wasting Disease Vaccine




2/19/2013




CHEYENNE - The Wyoming Game and Fish Department has begun a multi-year study at its Thorne-Williams Wildlife Research Unit (formerly Sybille) near Wheatland to evaluate the efficacy of a vaccine against chronic wasting disease.




Chronic wasting disease is a neurological disease of elk, deer, and moose. The disease appears to be invariably fatal to the animal, but it is not thought to affect humans.




The vaccine was developed in Canada by the Pan-Provincial Vaccine Enterprise (PREVENT), a partnership of three leading infectious disease centers. PREVENT works closely with academia, industry, government, and not-for-profit sectors to accelerate vaccine development so that promising vaccines can move readily into clinical development and production.




In January, researchers trapped 50 elk calves at Game and Fish’s South Park feedground (south of Jackson) and transported them to the research unit. There, calves were split into two groups. One group was vaccinated and one was an unvaccinated control group. “Previous research has demonstrated that elk will naturally contract chronic wasting disease by being housed at the unit,” said Game and Fish Chief Wildlife Veterinarian Dr. Terry Kreeger. “We predict that the vaccinated group will live longer than the control group. It’s important to understand that even if the vaccine does not provide lifelong protection from chronic wasting disease, every extra year of survival the vaccine provides will mean increased production in an affected population.”




The vaccine is administered by hand at the research unit, which would not be practical for vaccinating wild elk. However, if the vaccine is found to be effective, future research will focus on delivery methods more appropriate for wild elk, such as baits. At a minimum, an effective vaccine administered to elk raised on private ranches could greatly reduce the spread of the disease. Chronic wasting disease is thought to have been primarily spread throughout parts of the United States and Canada by the unintentional movement of infected deer and elk among private game ranches.




“We figured that research over time would start providing wildlife managers with tools that could be used to combat this disease,” said Kreeger. “This is just the start of a long journey to evaluate and perfect these tools.”




A parallel vaccine study is being conducted on deer in Colorado.




(Contact: Eric Keszler (307) 777-4594)




-WGFD-










CWD Zones Map for Positive Cases



All Species Positive & Negative (Updated with 2012 Data)









Positives by Species (Updated with 2012 Data)









Positives by Species (2009-2011)









CWD Surveillance Positive Deer



Positive Deer by Hunt Area (2012)







Positive Deer by Hunt Area (2009-2011)







Positive Deer by Hunt Area (2006-2008)








Positive Deer by Hunt Area (2003-2005)









CWD Surveillance Positive Elk



Positive Elk by Hunt Area (2012)










Positive Elk by Hunt Area (2009-2011)









Positive Elk by Hunt Area (2006-2008)









Positive Elk by Hunt Area (2003-2005)









CWD Surveillance Positive Moose



Positive Moose by Hunt Area (2006-2008)












WYOMING GAME AND FISH DEPARTMENT 2011 ANNUAL REPORT



SNIP...



CHRONIC WASTING DISEASE CWD




Chronic Wasting Disease Testing continued for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in white-tailed and mule deer, elk, and moose in various locations of the state. WGFD divides the state into eight administrative regions with the goal to test 500-600 deer from each region utilizing hunter harvest, road killed, and targeted animals. Although the 2011 surveillance efforts are still underway, as of December 1st, 2,911 deer, elk, and moose samples had been analyzed. Of these, 103 tested positive for CWD, representing 79 mule deer, 14 white-tailed deer, and 10 elk. In 2005, the Department included moose in the CWD surveillance program. During FY 2011, 136 hunter-killed, 37 targeted and 18 road-killed moose were surveyed with no moose testing positive for CWD.










MOOSE DOCUMENTED WITH CWD WYOMING





Wednesday, October 24, 2012



WYOMING Deer Hunt Area 132 Near Green River Added to CWD List



10/23/2012



GREEN RIVER - Chronic wasting disease (CWD), a fatal neurological disease of deer, elk, and moose, has been discovered in deer hunt area 132.








Thursday, November 29, 2012



Wyoming Elk Hunt Area 10 Added to CWD List









Wednesday, November 16, 2011


Chronic wasting disease found in Big Horn basin deer Wyoming's deer hunt area 165








Thursday, July 08, 2010


CWD Controversy still stalking elk feedgrounds in Wyoming 2010


Greetings,


This is very serious, please notice that one of the CWD clusters is only 45 miles from ELK feeding grounds in Wyoming, the second elk feeding ground is 98 miles from CWD cluster, and the third elk feeding ground is 130 miles from the CWD cluster. Common sense tells us we need to stop those feeding grounds, if you want your Elk to survive. There is no politics or plot against the hunters or elk about it. read the science please. ...TSS


chronic wasting disease proximity to elk feedgrounds in wyoming 2009-2010









Thursday, December 30, 2010


WYOMING MULE DEER BUCK HARVESTED NEAR LYSITE TESTS POSITIVE FOR CWD December 27, 2010









Monday, December 13, 2010


WYOMING DEER AREA 119 ADDED TO CWD LIST DEER AREA 119 ADDED TO CWD LIST


11/22/2010









Friday, November 12, 2010


WHITE-TAILED BUCK HARVESTED NEAR MOORCROFT TESTS POSITIVE FOR CWD WYOMING









Sunday, October 31, 2010


TWO DEER HARVESTED NEAR GREYBULL TEST POSITIVE FOR CWD WYOMING









Wednesday, October 20, 2010


WYOMING ELK NEAR GLENDO TESTS POSITIVE FOR CWD 10/18/2010









Wednesday, November 25, 2009


CHRONIC WASTING DISEASE FOUND IN ELK AREA 35 NEAR BUFFALO









Wednesday, November 11, 2009


CHRONIC WASTING DISEASE DISCOVERED IN DEER HUNT AREA 42 WYOMING









Sunday, November 01, 2009


CWD confirmed in Johnson County Wyoming Sunday, November 1, 2009









Wednesday, October 14, 2009


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









Monday, December 22, 2008


CWD DETECTED IN ELK HUNT AREA 117 SOUTH OF SUNDANCE WYOMING









Saturday, October 18, 2008


WYOMING STAR VALLEY MOOSE TESTS POSITIVE FOR CWD









Monday, November 14, 2011


WYOMING Creutzfeldt Jakob Disease, CWD, TSE, PRION REPORTING 2011









Friday, November 09, 2012


Chronic Wasting Disease CWD in cervidae and transmission to other species









Friday, November 16, 2012


Yellowstone elk herds feeding grounds, or future killing grounds from CWD











Tuesday, February 28, 2012



newly developed injectable CWD vaccine, live rectal mucosa testing and Deer Game Farms Update newly developed injectable CWD vaccine, live rectal mucosa testing and Deer Game Farms Update




- testing is currently underway to determine the effectiveness of a newly developed injectable CWD vaccine that has shown considerable promise.




- an effective vaccine could be used to prevent CWD in game farm animals but additional study would be required to determine an effective application method in the wild.




snip...see full text ;

















Development of an oral vaccine for Chronic Wasting Disease



Principal Investigator: Scott Napper, Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization



Co-investigators: Andrew Potter, Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization Philip Griebel, Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization Neil Cashman, Brain Research Centre, University of British Columbia Suresh Tikoo, Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization Nate Osgood, Computer Sciences, University of Saskatchewan Trent Bollinger, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan Ted Leighton, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan Cheryl Waldner, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan Murray Woodbury, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan



Project Description



Members of our team have been focused on a disease specific epitope (DSE) termed YYR which is specifically exposed on PrPSc. Through optimization of the length and presentation of this epitope, as well as strategies of formulation and delivery, we have developed a first generation prion vaccine. This vaccine was developed with a priority on farmed cervids and employed strategies compatible with parenteral injection, the traditional route of vaccine delivery. This vaccine induces high-titre, PrPSc-specific immune responses in a variety of species and significantly delays the onset of disease in experimentally challenged sheep. Having validated the DSE immunotherapy concept, we are positioned to develop a second generation vaccine based upon additional, newly discovered DSE’s as well as an oral route of delivery. Oral delivery is required for vaccination of wild animals and is the preferred route for farmed cervids. Oral delivery may also offer greater protection against oral routes of infection, which is central to CWD transmission. Funding by PrioNet will enable and accelerate development of this novel tool to control Chronic Wasting Disease.



(Open Call IV)



Last Updated: 10/21/2011 4:44:47 PM










SNIP...FULL TEXT ;













Friday, August 24, 2012



Diagnostic accuracy of rectal mucosa biopsy testing for chronic wasting disease within white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) herds in North America














Friday, February 08, 2013



Behavior of Prions in the Environment: Implications for Prion Biology












Tuesday, December 18, 2012



A Growing Threat How deer breeding could put public trust wildlife at risk












Friday, November 09, 2012



*** Chronic Wasting Disease CWD in cervidae and transmission to other species












Friday, December 14, 2012



*** Susceptibility Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in wild cervids to Humans 2005 – December 14, 2012



















TSS

posted by Terry S. Singeltary Sr. at 10:25 AM 0 Comments