The positive sample was taken from a buck on a hunting preserve as part of Ohio’s CWD monitoring program for captive white-tailed deer operations. The animal was transferred from a captive breeding facility in Holmes County just days before it was harvested. Both the hunting preserve and the breeding farm are under quarantine and are subject to intensive monitoring and sampling. The quarantine will remain enforced until the state is satisfied that disease transference can no longer occur between captive operations.
“While the confirmed case is unfortunate, this proves the necessity of testing and monitoring the health of captive deer populations in Ohio to monitor the health of the animals and to manage exposure to diseases,” said State Veterinarian Dr. Tony Forshey. “ODA will work with our state partners and continue to take whatever steps are necessary to manage CWD and prevent exposure to Ohio’s wild deer population.”
Not sure why ODA regulates Ohio’s captive white-tailed deer facilities and monitors the health of animals through regular testing of deer at both farms and hunting preserves. The Ohio Division of Wildlife conducts regular surveillance throughout Ohio to monitor the health of the state’s wild deer population. I would think the DOW would be the agency better equipped and trained to take on both tasks.
The DOW will closely monitor wild deer around the quarantined facilities.
CWD is deadly in deer, elk and moose, but there is no evidence CWD can be transmitted to humans, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Here come the dogs: The Division of Wildlife has announced it is forming a wildlife K-9 program. One wildlife officer from each of Ohio's five wildlife districts will become a handler in the program.
The dogs are trained to detect hidden wild game such as white-tailed deer, turkey, waterfowl and fish, along with other non-game scents like ginseng and gun powder. They will also have the ability to track people and will be used to find lost hunters and people hunting without permission.
The K-9s will also be friendly and socialized to participate in public education programs. For more information, call 1-800-WILDLIFE.
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