148 deer test positive for Chronic Wasting Disease so far this season
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WZTV) — Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency officials said 148 deer have tested positive for Chronic Wasting Disease so far this season.
That's out of the 8,700 deer that have been harvested so far this season. The CWD-positive deer were from Fayette, Hardeman, Madison, Tipton, and Shelby counties.
Chronic wasting disease attacks the nervous systems of deer and elk and leads to death. There's no treatment or vaccine for the disease. It's in the family of "rare progressive neurodegenerative disorders that affect both humans and animals."
There is no evidence to suggest the disease poses a risk to humans or domestic animals. It is transmitted through animal-to-animal contact, animal contact with a contaminated environment, and with contaminated feed or water sources. It is the most significant threat to the deer population nationwide, as it is 100 percent fatal to deer and elk.
At this time, there is not evidence to suggest the disease poses a risk to humans or domestic animals, but it is 100 percent fatal to deer and elk. Hunters who notice deer or elk acting strangely, looking sick, or found dead are urged to call their regional TWRA offices.
TWRA said plans to address the deer carcass disposal issue has resulted in a $1 million expansion for an incinerator to be constructed and operated by Fayette County officials.
