Area elk free of CWD

Samples taken from elk killed during the state's 2006 hunting season have all tested negative for chronic wasting disease (CWD), the Pa. Game Commission reported last week.

Based on a significant increase in the number of samples collected for testing, the agency is still analyzing results of the more than 4,200 deer killed during last year's hunting seasons.

To date, there are no confirmed or suspected cases of CWD-infected deer or elk in Pennsylvania. With CWD confirmed in New York and West Virginia, the Game Commission continues to keep a watchful eye on wild and captive deer and elk.

The elk samples also were tested for brucellosis and bovine tuberculosis and found to be free from these diseases.

Random testing of hunterkilled deer and elk will continue during the 2007-08 seasons. Nearly 200 elk and more than 10,000 deer killed by hunters in Pennsylvania have been tested over the past five years. Another nearly 500 deer that died of unknown illness or were exhibiting abnormal behavior also have been tested.

First identified in 1967, CWD is a progressive and always fatal disease. There is no practical way to test live whitetails for CWD, and there is no vaccine to prevent an animal from contracting the disease, nor is there a cure for animals that become infected.

Hunters who see deer behaving oddly, that appear to be sick, or that are dying for unknown reasons should contact the Game Commission.

A task force recently conducted another in a series of drills to test the state's readiness to react to a CWD outbreak. Game Commission Executive Director Carl G. Roe said the drill identified certain equipment, materials and contact information we must refine in order to improve our preOutdoor paredness.