CWD Found in White-tailed Deer in Virginia

[Woody Williams]

Chronic Wasting Disease Found in White-tailed Deer in Virginia

The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF) received laboratory confirmation on January 19, 2010, that a white-tailed deer tested positive for chronic wasting disease (CWD). This is the first confirmed case of CWD in Virginia. The deer was killed by a hunter in Frederick County less than one mile from the West Virginia line. With this case, Virginia now joins 17 other states and Canadian provinces with CWD, five of which are east of the Mississippi River.

"This was not unexpected," stated VDGIF Executive Director Bob Duncan. "Our wildlife professionals have been preparing for this for some time. The surveillance efforts have been critical and we appreciate the hunters, check station operators, and other cooperators who have supported our efforts."

CWD is a disease of deer and has not been found to be transmitted to humans or other animals. Learn more about CWD in Virginia and about the agency�s CWD Response Plan –
www.dgif.virginia.gov/wildlife/diseases/cwd/

[cedarthicket]

The following paragraph is copied from the link above:

In 2002, after CWD was first discovered in Wisconsin, VDGIF changed the regulations and permit conditions to ban the importation of live deer and elk into Virginia. Furthermore, a permit is required for the possession of captive deer, and the intrastate movement of captive deer is also restricted.

I wonder which other states have also banned the importation of live deer and elk. Also, which states have banned the export (from the state) of live deer and elk. (This would be a good thread topic by itself.) Testimony has been given in Indiana more than once to have Indiana do both. However, I do not think either has happened.

[tickman1961]

At least Virginia has not gone totally insane over this like Wisconsin.