SPOKANE, Wash. — The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife confirmed Thursday, that the state's first case of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) was found in a dead deer in north Spokane. The deer was an adult female white-tail that was found dead in the Fairwood area.
Experts at the National Institutes of Health say there is no evidence of humans contracting CWD. But, to minimize risk, the Center For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says you shouldn't eat meat from a deer infected with the disease.
Here are some other safety tips for hunters by the CDC:
- When hunting in areas with CWD activity, follow these steps to reduce your risk of contact with the disease:
- Do not shoot, handle or eat animals that look sick or act strangely.
- Do not touch or eat meat from animals found dead (roadkill)
- When field-dressing a deer or handling meat:
- Wear latex or rubber gloves
- Avoid handling its internal organs, especially the brain or spine.
- Do not use knives or other tools you use in your kitchen.
- Strongly consider having the deer or elk tested for CWD before you eat the meat.
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife said CWD can spread to other deer, elk, and moose and over time can reduce cervid populations if it becomes widespread. There is currently no cure for CWD.
The department says they are currently working with affected communities and local governments to reduce the spread of the disease.
Cases of the disease have been found in 34 other states and four Canadian provinces.
