Bad news for Texas deer hunters: the first cases of Chronic Wasting Disease have been detected in samples from two mule deer in the far western part of the state.
From this story on ketknbc.com:
Samples from two mule deer recently taken in far West Texas have been confirmed positive for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). These are the first cases of CWD detected in Texas deer. Wildlife officials believe the event is currently isolated in a remote part of the state near the New Mexico border.
According to the story, Texas Parks and Wildlife began monitoring the area’s deer after CWD was detected across the border in New Mexico. Samples were taken from 31 deer in the area, but both infected deer were taken from a small area of the Hueco Mountains in El Paso County. So what’s next? Continued monitoring and containment, hopefully.
From the story: Now that we have detected CWD in Texas, our primary objective is to contain this disease,” said Carter Smith, TPWD Executive Director. “Working collaboratively with experts in the field we have developed protocols to address CWD and implementation is already under way.” There is no vaccine or cure for CWD, but steps have been taken to minimize the risk of the disease spreading from beyond the area where it currently exists. For example, human-induced movements of wild or captive deer, elk, or other susceptible species will be restricted and mandatory hunter check stations will be established.