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News Release 3-19-2002

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DEER AND ELK EMBARGO EXPANDED

West Virginia Commissioner of Agriculture Gus R. Douglass March 12, 2002, expanded an embargo against the importation of domestic Cervidae (deer and elk) from Wisconsin, which currently is experiencing an outbreak of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). The embargo originally applied to other areas experiencing CWD outbreaks.

“Because of the significant threat CWD poses to West Virginia’s domestic Cervidae industry, I deemed it necessary to expand this embargo,” said Commissioner Douglass. “This embargo prohibits the importation of live deer and elk from Wisconsin, or from herds, counties or adjoining counties where CWD has been diagnosed within the past five years.” Other regulations already in effect are not affected by this embargo, he added.

According to State Veterinarian Lewis Thomas, West Virginia does not import many deer or elk, but the embargo serves to halt any spread of the disease. “There’s no record of this disease in West Virginia and it’s not dangerous to humans. This is simply a precautionary measure,” Thomas said.

CWD affects Cervidae, a genus of animals that includes deer and elk. The disease has been identified in domestic and wild herds in western states, including Wyoming and Colorado. The disease is similar to bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), also known as mad cow disease. Like BSE, CWD results in progressive deterioration of brain tissue and eventual death.

For more information, contact the West Virginia Department of Agriculture’s Animal Health Division at 304/558-2214.

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