Chronic Wasting Disease in Nebraska: Current Status and Insights
Recent findings from the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission revealed that 197 deer were diagnosed with chronic wasting disease (CWD) during the statewide deer seasons in November and December. This disease, which affects the neurological system of deer, elk, moose, and caribou, is incurable and leads to severe health deterioration and ultimately death.
Caused by prions, abnormal proteins that damage the brain, CWD manifests through symptoms like severe weight loss, poor coordination, and lethargy. Despite its grave nature, Marnee Roundtree, fish and wildlife program manager at the commission, expressed that the number of cases, although seemingly high, was anticipated.
“Our 197 detections was not really a surprise based on our knowledge of the disease and where it occurred first and was detected first as well as its spread across the landscape,” Roundtree stated, emphasizing the predictable nature of the disease’s spread.
While Nebraska’s numbers remain within expected limits, neighboring states, such as southeastern Minnesota, are experiencing an uptick in CWD cases, reaching endemic levels. More information on this can be found here.
Roundtree advises hunters to stay vigilant and to avoid shooting or consuming animals that display unusual behavior or signs of illness. To date, CWD has only been found in deer, elk, moose, and caribou, and there is no evidence that it naturally infects humans, livestock, or pets.
First identified in a captive mule deer in 1967 at a research facility in Fort Collins, Colorado, CWD subsequently spread to free-ranging wildlife in Colorado, Wyoming, and Nebraska, with Nebraska’s first case reported in Kimball County in 2000.
Nebraska’s CWD testing strategy rotates geographically, making annual comparisons difficult. This year, 785 samples were collected from management units including Buffalo, Republican, Platte, and Frenchman, marking the first-time detection of CWD in Logan, Kearney, and Nuckolls counties.
In addition to the state’s testing efforts, hunters can also opt for CWD testing. Those within the designated testing zones can submit samples for free testing, while others can utilize the Veterinary Diagnostic Center at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln for a fee.
“We are constantly and continually encouraging people to participate in our yearly CWD surveillance season, so that we’re able to provide the best guidance and information for our Nebraska hunters and the public in general,” Roundtree added, urging participation.
For more detailed information on CWD, its prevention, and its history in Nebraska, visit outdoornebraska.gov.
