Chronic Wasting Disease has been diagnosed sporadically in Elk, Mule deer, and Whitetails through out the western States since 1981. This disease causes brain damage in elk and deer.
Affected animals show a progressive loss of weight and body conditions, behavioral changes, excessive salivation, increased drinking and urination, depression, and eventual death. Chronic Wasting Disease is fatal. The pathogen that causes this disease has not been identified yet.
The disease mainly affects deer, mostly mule deer but it has been found in elk as well. Neither what causes it or how it is spread has been acknowledged. Circumstantial evidence suggest that it is thru animal to animal contact in the wild. There is no evidence that Chronic Wasting Disease can be naturally transmitted to humans. However it is wise to avoid any contact with any wild animal that does not appear healthy. The disease is very rare but in the event that you suspect that you may have harvested an infected animal you should notify the Wildlife Division .
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