Tested elk free of CWD

Samples taken from the 35 hunter-killed elk last year all tested negative for chronic wasting disease (CWD).

Dr. Walt Cottrell, Pa. Game Commission wildlife veterinarian, said he is still awaiting the results of the 3,800 hunterkilled deer samples collected last year. He emphasized that there are no confirmed or suspected cases of CWD-infected deer or elk in Pennsylvania. CWD has been confirmed in New York and West Virginia.

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

CWD affects cervids, including all species of deer, elk and moose. It is a progressive and always fatal disease. There currently is no vaccine to prevent an animal from contracting the disease, nor is there a cure for animals that become infected. There is no evidence of CWD being transmissible to humans.

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

In 2005, the Game Commission banned the importation of specific carcass parts from states and Canadian provinces where CWD had been identified in free-ranging cervid populations. Hunters traveling to the following states must abide by the importation restrictions: Colorado, Illinois, Kansas, Nebraska, New Mexico, New York (CWD containment area only), South Dakota, Utah, West Virginia (Hampshire County only), Wisconsin and Wyoming; as well as the Canadian provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan.