PA CWD Timeline

[Admin]

This board will serve as the timeline for CWD so people coming to the board; including members of the media; can see things (hopefully) in the order it happened.

It is not for discussion purposes. Please PM either Denny or Melody if you have something you feel needs to be here.


CWD FOUND IN PA FARMED DEER

The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA) confirmed the first positive case of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in a farmed deer in Pennsylvania October 11, 2012. CWD is a progressive, fatal disease of the nervous system of cervid animals including deer, elk and moose. CWD is not believed to be transmissible to humans.

An interagency CWD task force is in place to address the threat of the disease to Pennsylvania’s captive and wild cervid populations and includes the departments of Agriculture, Environmental Protection and Health, the Pennsylvania Game Commission and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The task force is currently following the Chronic Wasting Disease Response Plan to prevent further spread of this devastating disease to the state’s captive and wild cervid populations.

A doe from an Adams County Pennsylvania Deer farming facility tested positive for CWD on October 4th. The PDA held a press conference on October 11th to announce the findings. The PA Game Commission (PGC) and the PA Department of Agriculture (PDA) held a public meeting at Bermudian Springs High School on October 17th to discuss the situation and answer questions from farmers and sportsmen. Many left with more questions than answers.

CWD has not currently been discovered in our wild population; nor has it jumped the species barrier to humans at this time, but hunters are encouraged to not eat the meat from positive tested samples or from deer which appear unhealthy.

CWD is always fatal and it differs from Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD) which may or may not kill deer. CWD is spread through a prion (pronounced pre-on) which is a mutated “super protein” that can only be killed with incineration at 2200 degrees for 15 minutes. It can be contracted through direct contact with other deer; or indirect contact with infected soils, urine and its products and feces. (EHD is caused by the bite of an infected midge.)

In response to the CWD positive in the deer farm, the PGC has developed a new Disease Management Area (DMA). Frequently, when CWD shows in a captive herd, it shows in a wild herd soon after. The DMA is located in parts of Adams and York Counties and is in WMU 5A and 5B. Some of the new regulations for the DMA include mandatory deer check stations starting in rifle season, ban on urine based scents, feeding bans and other reasonable restrictions. The PGC will be testing all deer killed or harvested in the DMA for CWD. They expect to test between 1800 and 2200 individual deer based on prior harvest records.

The PDA wants hunters across the state to be aware that PDA is offering testing (for a fee) to any hunter in Pennsylvania who has concerns about a deer they harvested. Currently, we are waiting for information from PDA on how hunters should send their samples to the lab, but expect testing fees to be $75. The PGC will be footing the bill for testing harvested deer within the Disease Management Area (DMA).

The PDA has 14 farms across Pennsylvania currently under quarantine where all deer known to have had direct or indirect contact with any positive tested deer will have to be euthanized for testing. As the trace-back continues, more farms will be added to the list. PDA’s initial thoughts were as many as 100 to 120 of the 1100 deer farms may be placed under quarantine.

There is very little news forth coming from the PDA regarding their on-going efforts to trace and curtail the spread of this disease to Pennsylvania’s wild deer population, other than to say they are following the “CWD Response Plan.” (See PDA’s website for a copy of the Response Plan:

www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/gateway/PTARGS_0_2_24476_10297_0_43/http%3B/10.41.0.77/AgWebsite/Page.aspx?name=Chronic-Wasting-Disease-Information&navid=0&parentnavid=0&pageid=138&

We have gathered information through other sources that are of serious concern to our wild herd as a result of this CWD positive farmed deer:

• One deer from the Adams County deer farm where the CWD positive deer resided escaped. The deer is a doe named Pink-23 and she has a yellow ear tag the size of a fifty-cent piece in her ear. Hunters with an antlerless tag may harvest the doe and they will be issued a new antlerless tag. If a hunter sees Pink-23 but does not have an antlerless tag, they are asked to call the PGC regional office at [phone].
• The fence, where the CWD positive doe previously resided not long before her death, was removed by the landowner. The PGC and PDA are working jointly with the landowner to re-establish that fence so wild deer cannot interact on that landscape.
• Indiana DNR officials are concerned because the Pennsylvania farm where chronic wasting disease was detected, sold 10 animals to farms in Indiana over the past three years. One of those farms had 20 deer escape when a fence was knocked down during a storm this past spring. Seven of those deer are still unaccounted for. Those farms are under quarantine.

Again, to date, no positive CWD deer have been discovered in our wild herd. We will not know if the DMA will be expanded to other areas of the state until the trace-backs and testing is complete on those farms.

The PGC has a public meeting planned for November 8th, 7-9 pm, at the York Fairgrounds (Horticultural Hall). They will also be mailing a letter to 47,000 hunters in Adams/York Co., talking about CWD, mandatory check stations, etc. (See more on the PGC’s website:

The PDA has announced a meeting for “Industry” representatives. “One of the steps in the CWD Response Plan is to hold an industry task force meeting to make sure all interested organizations are aware of the current situation.” The PDA will be holding the first industry task force meeting at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex located at 2300 North Cameron Street, Harrisburg, PA in the Commonwealth (VIP) room beginning at 9:00 am on Friday, November 2, 2012. Please let them know if you or someone from your organization is attending by contacting Morgan Firestine by email at [e-mail] or phone, 717-787-3418.

For more information from the Department of Agriculture and the Pennsylvania Game Commission, visit:
* www.agriculture.state.pa.us (click on “Chronic Wasting Disease Information”)
* www.pgc.state.pa.us (click on “CWD Info”)

[Admin]

PDA & PGC Informational Meeting
Bermudian Springs High School
October 17, 2012

(Notes provided by PFSC member Kathy Davis from the meeting. Thanks Kathy!)


Matt Meals, Deputy Secretary from the Department of Agriculture confirmed Chronic Wasting Disease was discovered in a suspect positive on October 4th. It was sent to a national lab for confirmation, and it was confirmed on October 9th.

CWD Prion effects deer, elk, moose, and other cervids in the deer family. It is spread through direct and indirect transmission.

Its from a family of diseases called TSEs.

Transmittable encephalopathy is the form found in farmed mink although none have been discovered positive in the wild.

Mad cow disease (BSE) has the potential to become a variant Creutzfeldt Jacob Syndrome (v)CJS
Mad cow can be spread to ner anything by injection directly to a brain. There is no species barrier.

The prion is an infectious protein that transforms healthy proteins into prions.

Clinical Signs and Symptoms:
Lowered ears, drooping head, blank expression, excessive salivation and thirst, grinding teeth, weight loss.

These symptoms can be identical to other causes. EHD, car accidents, and abscesses can all mimic the clinical symptoms, so testing is critical.

The prion can persist in the soil for at least 18 years. There is no reliable live test. It can take up to 5 years before expression; although the average is 12 to 24 months

Highly contagious with males being more susceptible due to their soils eating behavior.

Spread through contaminated soil, urine, milk, feces, saliva, and direct and indirect contact.

The Prion can be killed with super heat @ 2200 degrees for 15 minutes. Yes, you read that correctly.

Populations are naturally reduced over time. 47% of mule deer in Colorado currently test positive for the disease. 24% of WI deer are infected.

Prions can be excreted for at least 11 months prior to the deer showing any clinical signs.

A deer farmer asked if other deer can pick up the infectious prions from soil? - the answer is YES. Its very likely.

Exposure Risk Factors

Areas adjacent to CWD known positives and captive herds
Areas with a history of receipt of imports from CWD infected areas.

If CWD is in an area- it got there one of two ways. It walked across the border, or it came in a truck (live or dead)
Urine based lures and attractants are exposure risk factors.

Amplification Risk Factors

High cervid (deer) density
Adams County currently has 30 DPSM
Areas with a contaminated environment
Baiting or any factor that causes deer to congregate.

The West Virginia /Maryland map was shown. CWD is 10.1 miles from 4 Pennsylvania Counties where intense surveillance is ongoing.

A national map showed a clear correlation between positive CWD farms and deer in a wild herd. Pennsylvania only requires a SINGLE fence. That does not afford strong protection as wild deer and captive deer frequently interact through fences. MORE ON THIS LATER.

The Disease Management Area (DMA) is based on yearling buck dispersal. Ten mile radius were drawn at each known place the infected deer lived or visited (breeding) and that is how they came up with the DMA. Roads and landscape features were picked as easy to find boundaries for hunter convenience.

The incubation period for CWD can be up to 5 years before presenting of clinical signs.

The PGC has tested 38,000 deer throughout Pennsylvania. It is detectable in the incubation stage.

The PGC regional office phone number for suspect live wild deer is 814-643-1831.[/b]

What can be done:

PGC will be testing all wild deer in the disease management area.

Response Plan from Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA)

This has elicited a level one response.

Contact and engage task force consisting of animal diagnostic labs, state vets, DEP, Dept of Health, PGC and Dr Walt Cottrell, PSU, USDA, USGS, AAPHIS and others.

Dr David Grizwald from PDA said the PDA is using a trace out to determine the source of CWD.

The deer was born in Lycoming and transferred to the York facility at approximately one month of age. It was sent for breeding (4th farm enters quarantine here) and then shipped to the Adams County Farm

Deer farmers in PA tend to move deer quite often, and its common place for a deer to live or visit 4 to 5 facilities over the life of the deer

A quick and dirty trace out - a lot of farms- 100 or more are likely to be involved by the time its over.

Live and dead animals are moved

They will be going back ten years to determine where prions may have been in the soil-

The statement was made that this could be HUGE. Could there be more than 100 farms? Sure.

The fence is DOWN STILL at the facility in York county; giving free range deer in the area access to the prions living in the soil. The PDA is NOW working with the PA Game Commission to get a fence back up at that facility. As I understand it, State Rep. Dan Moul paid a visit to the Gov's office urging PDA to get the fence back up.

As is typical, the PGC will be cooperating in the effort to replace the fence. Kudos folks.

There is an obligation on the part of farmers to report deaths if symptoms of CWD are present; however; not every deer farmer is forthcoming.

Of the three listed sites at the Adams/York Co DMA, they will be looking at artificial breeding, where the samples came from or went to, semen shipping, urine sales and shipping in BOTH DIRECTIONS included.

A question was asked regarding feces and trailers in transit deer. It has the possibility of spreading the disease, yes.

What are the requirements for record keeping and are they accurate?

There is a certified option and a voluntary monitoring option. There is inter and intrastate commerce. Farmers who don't participate in the trade do not have to have as complete of records as those who do.

Not every farmer does a good job with compliance.

Monitoring has NOT increased outside of the zone.

An executive order was issued declaring the area as a DMA (Disease Management Area) which places restrictions effecting a 600 square mile area.

Some of the restrictions include (But are not limited to)

Mandatory checks starting in rifle season. It will be voluntary through archery season, as not all hunters have the word yet.

Prohibition on moving high risk parts.

PGC will cover the costs of testing of all harvested wild deer and notify each hunter of the results.

It will cost between $35 and $60 with total costs for the PGC into the hundreds of thousands of dollars with check stations, etc.

There is a ban on all urine based lures and on feeding.

There is a ban on transportation of menagerie (captive animals)

Link to the Executive Order outlining new regulations for hunters.

The order also includes a list of parts that may NOT be removed from the DMA

www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/ser....utive_order_pdf

Questions from the audience and answers

What parts can be tested? Lymph nodes and obex (brain stem). The lymph nodes can be tested longer than the obex, with testing up to a month after death. BUT, that can be limited by temperature. Not as long in sun.

There is a restriction on taxidermy and butchering for transport of high risk parts outside of DMA. The check station will be at State Game Lands 249 where hunters may debone their deer and PGC staff will assist. They will also help the hunters cape the deer for taxidermy.

PGC will keep all suspect/high risk parts for incinerator or the landfill within the DMA.

Processors had questions and suggestions - please have a tag on the deer that shows the deer was checked. Can processors and taxidermists be trained to collect deer parts to increase compliance within the DMA.? PGC may do that. The suggestion was well received.

Ag added they can check any deer for a fee; but the PGC warned hunters if they want to keep the rack to remove it prior to submitting to Ag. Ag will NOT return parts.

Self-processors should check deer and debone at the check station or bring the high risk parts to the check station for disposal. Processors will be provided dumpsters for those parts.

Use caution when quartering deer as it may expose prions.

Ban saws; sterilization of processing equipment; grinders all stressed by the processors themsleves.

Check station will be open 8 AM to 8 PM

The PGC expects harvest in the DMA will be 1500 to 2000 animals with 2/3 of them taken during the rifle season. This is based on historical harvest figures.

Hunters can take the caped head, leaving the brain and skull.

This will be a FIVE YEAR containment period if no new cases present.

New tags will be issued to hunters who bring in a non-consumable deer.

A gentleman commended the PGC. He lives next to SGL 243 and he urged public education.

Hunters asked about wounded deer that are never recovered due to factors we're all familiar with. Had the legislature passed the leashed tracking dog bill; hunter loss would be lower and the possible wild infecteds would not be laying in the woods unrecovered.

The Adams Co Federation was present.

Its way too early in the trace out to tell how many farms will be involved in all, but it will include deer inside and outside of the state because of the inter and intrastate transport of the deer.

More than 100 farms are identified in the initial trace-out; and Ag warns ALL Deer farmers in Pennsylvania that it is NOT WISE to buy, sell, trade, etc as only 4 farms are currently quarantined; and the notices have not yet been sent to other farms.

They told the farmers that their farm may already be pending a quarantine order, or the farm they trade with may be. Its best to not do anything, sit tight and wait until they are done with the trace-out.

The initial trace out is huge. PDA is awestruck at the amount of commerce that occurs on these deer farming operations.

All sales and trades put all deer farms at risk. Now is NOT the time to buy.

I can't believe PDA said this, but they said its "safer to sell". Uh, NO. How about a ban on all buying/selling/trading until all farms are identified.

Carl said they have applied to the Governor's office for a supplemental budget to pay for testing. Our hunting license dollars are paying for this folks, and its going to run into the 100s of thousands of dollars

Hunters asked ag for lock-down restrictions on deer farms and asked that a double fencing requirement be added as a minimal precautionary measure.

Hunters warned that bedding should be incinerated or land-filled as they contain feces, urine, blood, etc and will contain prions. Currently, bedding material can be thrown outside of the fence, attracting deer who have been known to feed on the feces which can contain high amounts of proteins and minerals because of the supplemental feeding inside of the fence.

IMPORTANT:::::::::: THERE IS ONLY A FIVE YEAR (FEDERAL) REQUIRMENT FOR A FENCE TO REMAIN ONCE ALL DEER INSIDE THE FENCE HAVE BEEN IRRADICATED. THE PRIONS LIVE FOR 18 YEARS OR LONGER. WE NEED LEGISLATION TO CHANGE THAT REQUIREMENT TO AT LEAST 20 YEARS.

End of meeting notes. I'm sure others can fill in the blanks I missed. I'll try to post the list of questions and answers to those as well- as I was able to talk to the Deputy Secretary from ag after the meeting. That is where I learned of the inadequate fencing requirement

There are 25,000 captive cervids on just about 1,100 farms.

Heavy rains can wash infected soils, urine, and feces outside of the fence of deer farms

Deer must be killed to test. There are NO reliable methods by which live cerids can be tested.

If you consume and animal that was infected can it cause any harm to hummans? Not YET that we know of. TSEs from cows have caused a variant form in humans called (v)CJS (Creutzfeldt Jacob Syndrome)

CJS can natually occur in humans and has for years, but this type (v)CJS is from mad cow.

No one knows if or when th prion in CWD will mutate to humans.

I had the chance to talk o the Deputy Secretary of Ag (PDA) after the meeting. Some of the questions I had were answered in the meeting, some after and some I will file a right to know request on.

I understand a fourth farm (in York Co) has been added to the list of quarantined farms. CONFIRMED

It has been almost a week since CWD was announced. How many farms have been identified in the trace backs, and where are they located? More than 100, both inside and outside of PA

How many more do you predict could be added? AND are all of the deer accounted for in Lycoming, Adams and York? How many deer in all are you still looking for? How many deer total are quarantined? How many deer are unaccounted for? Were any deer set loose or are there any escapees? No escapees that they are aware of. No way of predicting how many farms, deer will be involved or quarantined.

Fence in York is down, and wild deer can interact there; presenting problems. Do you have any plans to replace that fence so that the area is more secure safeguarding the wild populations, AND do you have any plans to add a regulation requiring an additional fence around the parameter of all deer farms to prevent nose to nose interactions with free range deer? The PDA is working with the PGC to get the fence back up. No additional fencing requirements are in play at this time, but they are talking about it.

Wild Deer are attracted to areas near fencing because of the scent of deer, and oftentimes bedding is discarded there. Deer are known to eat the feces of other deer, and I have concerns about the areas directly outside of the fence used as disposal areas because the free range deer would be especially attracted to the feces due to the high mineral and protein content because of supplemental feeding practices. What are the regulations on bedding/urine, feces disposal; because the waste is often thrown on the other side of the fence where wild deer are known to interact, especially when doe are in estrus? The Secretary seemed caught off guard by this. Their vet confirmed that its true. They will be looking into disposal methods.

Have any deer from any of these facilities been sold to restaurants or humans for consumption, or any deer get sold or traded with deer farmers that provide those products? Nothing confirmed, but it is possible

What urine sales/use ban measures in place or do you intend to place on the industry in the disease management area, and in Pennsylvania as a whole?
Only in the DMA (Disease Management Area)

How many farms of the 1200 deer farms participate in voluntary monitoring? What about the rest? (adding) What incentive do the deer farmers have to test knowing if a sample comes back positive, they will be put out of business?? Ag said the testing was mandatory, but only 30 deer for facilities that are large; or a % of small farms. I'll file this again under right to know

AG said last Thursday at the press conference that the public would have daily sit reps. We haven’t seen any. Why is that? Do we need to file right to know requests when this has the potential to effect more than 1 million hunters in Pennsylvania and the economic stimulation hunters provide even in these difficult economic times?
Ag's only reply is that they have been overwhelmed and they are letting the PGC get word to hunters.

Has Maryland been notified and what efforts have been made to notify the large animal vets in the area? What information did you give them? Yes, and Yes. All certified vets in Pennsylvania have been notified as have neighboring states, USDA, and others. They want a list of sportsman's groups as contacts. We suggested they send the information to me and Gary and we can coordinate those efforts through the PFSC (and I'll get word to QDMA)

Ag mentioned interstate and intrastate transport of deer is common in Pennsylvania. What immediate restrictions and safeguards have been put in place to stop all transport until the investigation is over? Can someone else help me here? I believe there are VOLUNTARY restrictions only. The department of Ag urged farmers to not trade, sell or buy until all sites have been notified. I liken this to a person who has a sexually transmitted disease. They find who the person's partners were, find out who their partners were, and who their partners sexual partners were. Same applies. Not all farms have been notified of pending quarantines, but will be in the near future. They could be one, or buying from one of them

Do you intend to have more stringent regulations on semen sales and shipping from areas both inside and outside of the Commonwealth? Voluntary for now

PGC restrictions: deer have to be deboned and taxidermy must be done within the DMA

[Admin]

October 18 or 19. Deer escapes from New Oxford facility where the CWD Positive deer resided. To today, 10/26 that deer is not recovered.

It is an antlerless deer named "PINK 23" and she wears a yellow ear tag about the size of a .50 cent piece.

www.qdma.com/forums/showthread.php?t=53096&page=2

[Admin]

Article from the Indy Star, and Indiana State Newspaper where the New Oxford CWD Positive facility sold deer recently, and they escaped (in Indiana State).

Indiana wildlife officials are asking hunters for assistance with shooting these deer.

www.indystar.com/article/20121019/LIFE02/210190361/Escaped-deer-pose-risk-spreading-disease-Indiana?odyssey=tab

[Admin]

10/25 Personal Communication between Kathy Davis, Senate Staffer and PDA.



I was told my right to know request was going to cost me just about $12,500 in advance. Its .25 cents a page; just one of my requests was 49,500 pages. I was also told that if Ag were to fulfill my request, it would "seriously hinder" their progress with respect to the investigative trace-back as they would have to pull members from that trace-back team to fill it.

However, I did learn the following today from various "sources"

14 farms under quarantine now.

PGC deputies and WCOs may now kill "pink" on sight as long as the shot is safe (DUH)

More Info sent to me after a recent inquiry to another source.

Do you have a bead on further developments as it regards the deer with CWD?

Please note that the escaped deer is not positive for CWD. We have only had one positive deer at this time. The escaped deer may have had direct contact with the positive animal, so it is very important to all that we capture this animal and have it tested.

Its not positive? Or they don't KNOW if it positive or not? How can they claim its not positive if they haven't tested it?

Will Ag be pursing any of the options below?

See answers below.

What are the steps Ag will be taking to resolve this?

PDA, PGC and USDA WLS have implemented several things to resolve this issue. For the safety of the public, our staff and the surrounding land owners, we have not made these activities public at this time.

Thank you!

My recommendations are numbered. Below are their answers:

1) An executive order from the PA Department of Agriculture that any hunter may shoot "Pink"; the escaped doe with the yellow ear tag. She is not a "wild" deer. She IS a threat to our wild herd.

Due to the fact that this Deer has escaped into the wild, it falls under PGC and PDA jurisdiction. We fully understand the issue that this deer possess to the wild population. PDA, PGC and USDA Wildlife Services are handling the situation in a manner which protects all parties concerned, including the safety of the private land owners in the area. It would be irresponsible for any state or federal agency to involve the public in the taken of this animal. That said, we have asked the area property owners to assist us in this process by allowing Official personnel access to their property.



2) A temporary restriction on the sale, transfer, loan, purchase of any cervid; including but not limited to the animals themselves; urine based scents and lures; and semen until the trace back is complete. Prions could easily be spread to the wild herd with the lure products as they persist in urine.

In regards animals, urine, semen and animal products, the Department has not made the decision to impose a statewide ban on movement at this time. This is an option that we may consider at some time when our trace out information and/or factual based Science gives us the justification to do so. As the investigation continuous, we will be discussing this option. We have highly recommended to our deer farmers that they stop all movement at this time. I would defer the Urine based Lure usage question to PGC.



3) Reconstruct the fence at the York facility so wild deer can not interact and possible spread CWD.

The department is working with our legal office to address this issue. More information will be provided at a later date on this topic.

[Admin]

More deer "escape". It is not known if this farm was one under quarantine or pending quarantine.

Thanks Denny Fillmore

From Carlisle Sentinel Police Blotter (Oct. 25, 2012)


State Police at Newport 717-567-3110

• The gates of a deer pen were tampered with, causing several deer to escape in the 100 block of Opal

Lane in Honey Grove, Northeast Madison Township, between 2:30 and 7 p.m. Oct. 20. Police seek information

cumberlink.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/thursday-s-sentinel-police-log/article_b9937e66-1e2b-11e2-9fd1-0019bb2963f4.html

[Admin]

PGC Sending out 47,000 letters to hunters in areas surrounding DMA.

Meeting established.

Nov. 8th, 7-9 pm, York Fairgrounds (Horticultural Hall)
_____________________________________________

Taxidermists and Butches Invited by PGC to attend meeting THIS Monday October 29th in York Co. Call the PGC for more specifics.

[Admin]

PDA Sets meeting Date for Industry

Deer Industry Representative:

On October 10, 2012, the National Veterinary Services Laboratory in Ames, Iowa confirmed the Pennsylvania Veterinary Laboratory in Harrisburg, PA report that a captive deer tested positive for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). This captive deer which was part of our Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Cervid Herd Certification Program became ill and died on an Adams county farm.

Since the positive CWD case has been found, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture has been following the CWD response plan. One of the steps in the plan is to hold an industry task force meeting to make sure all interested organizations are aware of the current situation. We will be holding the first industry task force meeting at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex located at 2300 North Cameron Street, Harrisburg, PA in the Commonwealth (VIP) room beginning at 9:00 am on Friday, November 2, 2012.

Please let us know if you or someone from your organization is attending by contacting either myself or Morgan Firestine by email at [e-mail] or phone, 717-787-3418. I look forward to meeting with you on Friday, November 2.

Thank you,

Mathew A. Meals | Deputy Secretary
PA Department of Agriculture | Executive Office
2301 N. Cameron St. | Harrisburg, PA 17110
Phone: [phone] | Fax: [phone]

[Admin]

PDA Report:

Chronic Wasting Disease Situation Report- October 26, 201~
PDA Update

On October 9, 2012, we received one confirmed positive sample from NVSL of CWD in Pennsylvania on Ronald Rutters deer farm located at 1491 New Chester Road, New Oxford, Adams County. In addition to the Adams County location, the department has quarantined eleven other farms directly related to the positive deer at the index farm. There is only one positive sample with multiple quarantined locations. PDA continues to do trace-outs and is currently finalizing the first tier of quarantined premise locations.

The positive sample initiated the response phase level 1 of the CWD Response Plan which commenced an inter-agency task force. As stated in the response plan, an interagency CWD task force is in place to address the threat of the disease to Pennsylvania's captive and wild deer, elk and moose populations. The task force met which included representatives of the Pennsylvania Departments of Agriculture (PDA), Department of
Environmental Protection and Department of Health, the Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC), Pennsylvania State University and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. As discussed
in the meeting, the CWD Response Plan will be followed by the CWD Task Force.

PGC determined the geographic location of the Disease Management Area (DMA) related to the positive case. Game will have a CWD sampling site will be located at 1070 Lake Meade
Road, East Berlin. Deer will be tested (mandatory) during the two week firearm season and voluntarily during other times of the year. Game will pay for all tests that originate from the sampling site. Stations will be available to quarter deer and remove spinal cord and head. There is a possibility that processors and taxidermists will be on site to assist with this process. A refrigerated truck will be located on site to keep samples. Deer parts will be bagged and labeled and placed in the refrigerated truck. Incineration and cremation are two disposal methods discussed for these samples once tests results return
from the PA Veterinary Laboratory (2 week period) .

Meetings will be held around the state with various industry groups such as the sportsman groups, taxidermists, processors as well as the general public.

Game will be creating a phone survey to determine the knowledge base of the general public on CWD and its effects. Following the deer season, a survey will be completed of all
licensed hunters (February/ March time frame).

A letter was sent based on last year's licensed hunters list to approximately 30,000 to 35,000 hunters in the Adams and DMA area of Pennsylvania. This letter discussed CWD, the DMA, and the executive order.

PDA will be putting together a CWD industry task force as prescribed by the CWD Response Plan. This task force will only hold an advisory role. The first meeting will be November 2 at 9 am in the Commonwealth Room (VIP) of the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex.

PA Veterinary Laboratory is working on a standard operating procedure fact sheet for how to submit samples to the laboratory which will be created for hunters and general public.

Last Thursday the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture and United States Department of Agriculture-Wildlife Services depopulated deer at the New Oxford facility. Nine out of ten deer were taken and have been submitted to the Pennsylvania Veterinary Laboratory for testing. The tenth deer escaped during the depopulation process. Pennsylvania Game Commission was notified immediately about the escaped deer. Both agencies agreed that it was best to allow the deer to come back to its pen since that was its original habitat. The owners were given direction to depopulate the escaped deer and any wild deer that
entered the pen over the weekend. If any action took place, the owners were instructed to report information to the Department of Agriculture.

As of today, the escaped deer, which has a pink tag, still has not been found. USDAWildlife Services, PDA and PGC are continuing to monitor the site. If the deer is found by neighbors or general public, the Game Commission must be notified before any action can be done.

Current CWD Quarantines

• Ronald Rutters, 1491 New Chester Road, New Oxford, PA
o Latitude: 39.89792 Longitude: -77.09888
• Bryan Rutters, Rut Acres, 61 Pickett Road, Dover, PA
o Latitude: 39.99056 Longitude: -76.94478
• Bryan Rutters, Rut Acres, 295 Bremer Road, Dover, PA
o Latitude: 40.09188 Longitude: -76.79533
• Mike Schilling, Lost Mtn Whitetails, 6464 Jacks Hollow Road, Williamsport, PA
o Latitude: 41.17706 Longitude: -77.13220
• William Noll, Noll's Whitetails, 8029 Molly Pitcher Highway, Shippensburg, PA
o Latitude: 40.02226 Longitude: -77.56777
• Harry Eichelberger, Bud's Place, 5032 Eichelberger Lane, Spring Grove, PA
o Latitude: 39.84731 Longitude: -76.84383
• Matthew Anthony, Anthony Whitetail Ranch, 830 Woodel Road, Grampian, PA
o Tested Herd: Latitude: 41.00373 Longitude: -78.64711
o Untested Herd: Latitude: 41.00373 Longitude: -78.64711
o HMP Herd: Latitude: 41.00373 Longitude: -78.64711
• Carl Rockey, 1305 New Chester Road, New Oxford, PA
o Latitude: 39.89390 Longitude: -77.10066
• Troy Luckenbaugh, Harvest Acres, 170 Dicks Dam Road, New Oxford, PA
o Latitude: 39.90836 Longitude: -77.07719
• Zachary N. Nelson, Cole Creek Whitetails, 80 Bordell Cross Road, Smethport, PA
o Latitude: 41.85615 Longitude: -78.46896
• Dwain Koser, Kauffman, Bradly/Koser's Whitetail Trophy II, 1309 Private Oak Lane,
Shippensburg, PA
o Latitude: 39.99990 Longitude: -77.49670
• Dwain Koser, Koser's Trophy Whitetails, 46 Springfield Road, Shippensburg, PA
o Latitude: 40.09822 Longitude: -77.45637

[Admin]

Check station info - Schneck article with good photos

blog.pennlive.com/pa-sportsman/2012/10/pennsylvania_game_commission_chronic_wasting_disease_check_station_expects_more_action_in_rifle_seas.html

[Admin]

Other states treat PA deer as if they have cooties. Bob Frye article.

triblive.com/sports/outdoors/2820055-74/deer-state-cwd-disease-agriculture-farms-hunters-pennsylvania-game-national#axzz2Abu6EEtz

[melody]

Quarantined Farms Up to 21

Chronic Wasting Disease
Quarantined Deer Farms
Updated: Nov. 1. 2012

www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/gateway/PTARGS_0_2_24476_10297_0_43/AgWebsite/Files/Publications/CWD%20Farms%20Quarantined%2011-1-12web.pdf

Ronald Rutters, 1491 New Chester Road, New Oxford, PA

Bryan Rutters, Rut Acres, 61 Pickett Road, Dover, PA

Bryan Rutters, Rut Acres, 295 Bremer Road, Dover, PA

Mike Schilling, Lost Mtn Whitetails, 6464 Jacks Hollow Road, Williamsport, PA

William Noll, Noll’s Whitetails, 8029 Molly Pitcher Highway, Shippensburg, PA

Harry Eichelberger, Bud’s Place, 5032 Eichelberger Lane, Spring Grove, PA

Matthew Anthony, Anthony Whitetail Ranch, 830 Woodel Road, Grampian, PA

Carl Rockey, 1305 New Chester Road, New Oxford, PA

Troy Luckenbaugh, Harvest Acres, 170 Dicks Dam Road, New Oxford, PA

Zachary N. Nelson, Cole Creek Whitetails, 80 Bordell Cross Road, Smethport, PA

Dwain Koser, Kauffman, Bradly/Koser’s Whitetail Trophy II, 1309 Private Oak Lane, Shippensburg, PA

Dwain Koser, Koser’s Trophy Whitetails, 46 Springfield Road, Shippensburg, PA

Garth Book, Book Whitetails’, 240 Prospect Road, Sugarloaf, PA

John Ficks, III, Nittany Mountain Hunting Preserve, 2980 Millers Bottom Road, New Columbia, PA

John Ficks, III, Fick’s Whitetails

Kenneth Erway, Spring Hollow Farms Pen 1 (Whitetail Country), 5914 Route 287, Wellsboro, PA

Larry Pittenger, Thunder Valley Whitetails, 4733 Warrensville Road, Montoursville, PA

Ronald Truitt, 1135 Carriage Road, Fairmont City, PA

John McAdam, Endless Mountain Whitetails, 953 Old Bernice Road, Mildred, PA

Josh Blyler, J & L Whitetails, 7 Scenic Road, Klingerstown, PA

Denis Beachel, Power View Whitetails, 390 Fairview Road, Danville, PA

[melody]

PDA Report

Chronic Wasting Disease Situation Report- November 2, 2012
PDA Update

Eight of the nine deer taken at Ronald Rutters¡¦ farm have tested negative. The 9th one, 840003000162979, has a suspect positive lymph node and has been sent to National Veterinary Services in Ames, Iowa yesterday for confirmation.

As of today, the escaped deer with a pink 23 tag (RE) and a metal tag (LE) still has not been found. USDA-Wildlife Services are continuing to observe the site. Seven cameras are located on the premise and on the adjacent property.

Industry Task Force meeting was held this morning at 9:00 a.m. in the Commonwealth Room of the Farm Show Complex, Harrisburg, PA. PDA and Game Commission both gave an update on current tasks within each agency. Industry organizations were present to ask questions and voice concerns.

PDA press office has been continuing to monitor CWD articles in the news. PDA press office is working with reporters to correct false printed information.

As of today, CWD has not been found in the wild whitetail populations in Pennsylvania.

Current CWD Quarantines: 22 individuals, 29 premises/herd inventories

Ronald Rutters
o 1491 New Chester Road, New Oxford, PA, Adams County

Bryan Rutters, Rut Acres
o 61 Pickett Road, Dover, PA, York County
o 295 Bremer Road, Dover, PA, York County
o 275 Bremer Road, Dover, PA, York County

Mike Schilling, Lost Mtn Whitetails
o 6464 Jacks Hollow Road, Williamsport, PA, Lycoming County

William Noll, Noll¡¦s Whitetails
o 8029 Molly Pitcher Highway, Shippensburg, PA, Franklin County

Harry Eichelberger, Bud¡¦s Place
o 5032 Eichelberger Lane, Spring Grove, PA, York County

Matthew Anthony, Anthony Whitetail Ranch
o 830 Woodel Road, Grampian, PA (Tested Herd, Untested Herd, HMP Herd), Clearfield County

Carl Rockey
o 1305 New Chester Road, New Oxford, PA, Adams County

Troy Luckenbaugh, Harvest Acres
o 170 Dicks Dam Road, New Oxford, PA, Adams County

Zachary N. Nelson, Cole Creek Whitetails
o 80 Bordell Cross Road, Smethport, PA, McKean County

Dwain Koser
o Kauffman, Bradly/Koser¡¦s Whitetail Trophy II, 1309 Private Oak Lane, Shippensburg, PA, Cumberland County
o Koser¡¦s Trophy Whitetails, 46 Springfield Road, Shippensburg, PA, Cumberland County

Garth Book, Book Whitetails¡¦
o 240 Prospect Road, Sugarloaf, PA, Luzerne County

John Ficks, III, Nittany Mountain Hunting Preserve and Ficks Whitetails
o 2980 Millers Bottom Road, New Columbia, PA, Union County

Kenneth Erway, Spring Hollow Farms Pen 1 (Whitetail Country)
o 5914 Route 287, Wellsboro, PA, Tioga County

Larry Pittenger, Thunder Valley Whitetails
o 4733 Warrensville Road, Montoursville, PA, Lycoming County

Ronald Truitt
o 1135 Carriage Road, Fairmont City, PA, Clarion County

John McAdam, Endless Mountain Whitetails
o 953 Old Bernice Road, Mildred, PA, Sullivan County

Josh Blyler, J & L Whitetails
o 7 Scenic Road, Klingerstown, PA (Tested Herd, Untested Herd), Schuylkill County

Denis Beachel, Power View Whitetails
o 390 Fairview Road, Danville, PA, Montour County

Travis Rhodes, Freedom Whitetails
o 694 Johnstown Road, East Freedom, PA, Blair County

Mathew Nelson, Nelsons Whitetails
o 190 Nelson Lane, East Freedom, PA, Blair County

Jeff Trent
o 483 Big Hill Road, Gardners, PA, Adams County

Noah Wonderling, Hollow Tree Whitetails
o 665 Megnin Road, Limestone, PA, Clarion County

[melody]

Nov. 7, 2012

Second Adams County Deer Tests Positive for Chronic Wasting Disease

HARRISBURG, Pa., Nov. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture today confirmed the state's second positive case of Chronic Wasting Disease on a deer farm in Adams County. Other deer on the farm that were tested did not have the disease.

The second deer, a white-tailed buck, tested positive at 1491 New Chester Road, New Oxford. This is the same location of the state's first infected deer in October.

In addition to the New Oxford farm, the agriculture department quarantined 27 farms in 16 counties associated with the positive samples. Deer cannot be moved on or off quarantined properties.

The Pennsylvania Game Commission established a disease management area (DMA) surrounding the Adams County farm where the deer tested positive. As part of that plan, hunters may not move high-risk deer parts out of the area, including parts of the head and spinal column.

"Since the first positive deer was found in Pennsylvania last month, the Chronic Wasting Disease Task Force has put in place aggressive measures to prevent further spread of the disease," Agriculture Secretary George Greig said. "This positive deer was found because of those efforts, and we will continue our work to protect the state's captive and wild deer populations."

The Chronic Wasting Disease Task Force meets weekly and carries out a response plan, including education and outreach through public meetings and minimizing risk factors through continued surveillance, testing and management. Task Force members are from the Pennsylvania Departments of Agriculture, Health and Environmental Protection, the Pennsylvania Game Commission, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Geological Survey/Pennsylvania Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit and Penn State University.

Hunters who harvest a deer within the DMA during the two-week firearms deer season (Nov. 26-Dec. 8) are required to bring their deer to a mandatory check station so samples can be collected for testing.

For the convenience of hunters, all cooperating deer processors within the DMA boundaries will be considered check stations. The Game Commission will be gathering samples from hunter-killed deer at those processors.

A list of cooperating deer processors and taxidermists from within the area will be announced and posted on the commission's website.

Hunters who harvest a deer within the DMA and who process their own deer, or who would like to take their deer to a processor or taxidermist outside of the management area, can visit the Game Commission operated check station. It is located at the agency's maintenance building on State Game Land 249, 1070 Lake Meade Road, East Berlin, Adams County. GPS coordinates for the building are -77.07280 and 39.97018.

Game Commission check station hours during the two-week rifle deer season are from 8 a.m. - 8 p.m., Monday through Saturday, but will remain open as needed. The check station will be closed on Sunday, Dec. 2.

Deer harvested outside of the management area will not be eligible for testing at the check station; however, hunters may get their deer tested by the Department of Agriculture's Veterinary Laboratory in Harrisburg, for a fee. Interested hunters should call 717-787-8808.

Chronic Wasting disease attacks the brains of infected antlered animals such as deer, elk and moose, producing small lesions that eventually result in death. Animals can get the disease through direct contact with saliva, feces and urine from an infected animal.

There is no evidence that humans or livestock can get the disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Symptoms include weight loss, excessive salivation, increased drinking and urination, and abnormal behavior like stumbling, trembling and depression. Infected deer and elk may also allow unusually close approach by humans or natural predators. The disease is fatal and there is no known treatment or vaccine.

Surveillance for the disease has been ongoing in Pennsylvania since 1998. The agriculture department coordinates a mandatory monitoring program for more than 23,000 captive deer on 1,100 breeding farms, hobby farms and shooting preserves. The Game Commission collects samples from hunter-harvested deer and elk and those that appear sick or behave abnormally. Since 1998, the commission has tested more than 38,000 free-ranging deer and elk for the disease and all have tested negative.

For more information, visit www.agriculture.state.pa.us and click on the "Chronic Wasting Disease Information" button on the homepage.

Media contacts: Samantha Elliott Krepps, Agriculture, 717-787-5085Jerry Feaser, PGC, 717-705-6541

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture

www.marketwatch.com/story/second-....ease-2012-11-07

[melody]

Just heard the PGC will be footing the bill to replace the missing fence at the one Rutter's site where the CWD positive deer had been associated with. So that means sportsmen's dollars will be coving a problem that is under Ags purview.

[melody]

Escaped Deer 'Pink 23' Shot by a Hunter

From the PDA:

News for Immediate Release

Nov. 26, 2012

Agriculture Department to Test ‘Pink 23’ Adams County Escaped Deer
Harrisburg - A doe that escaped from a quarantined Adams County deer farm in October was shot by a hunter today and is now being tested for Chronic Wasting Disease, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.

The deer, known as “Pink 23’’ because of its pink farm tag, was shot and killed this morning on a farm at 1305 New Chester Road, New Oxford. The doe escaped as officials removed the herd for testing from a farm at 1491 New Chester Road, New Oxford.

Both farms have been quarantined since October when the first case of the disease was discovered in Pennsylvania.

“The department has been working to prevent further spread of the disease,” said Agriculture Secretary George Greig. “The capture and testing of this escaped deer will allow the department to close this chapter of the investigation.”

State veterinarians identified the doe by its pink farm tag. Testing for Chronic Wasting Disease will be done at the Pennsylvania State Veterinary Laboratory in Harrisburg and will take up to two weeks.

To date, two deer have tested positive for Chronic Wasting Disease. As a result, the agriculture department quarantined 27 farms in 14 counties associated with the herd where the deer that tested positive for the disease were found. Deer cannot be moved on or off those quarantined premises.

Chronic Wasting Disease attacks the brains of infected antlered animals such as deer, elk and moose, producing small lesions that eventually result in death. Animals can get the disease through direct contact with saliva, feces and urine from an infected animal.

There is no evidence that humans or livestock can get the disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Symptoms include weight loss, excessive salivation, increased drinking and urination, and abnormal behavior like stumbling, trembling and depression. Infected deer and elk may also allow unusually close approach by humans or natural predators. The disease is fatal and there is no known treatment or vaccine.

Surveillance for the disease has been ongoing in Pennsylvania since 1998. The agriculture department coordinates a mandatory monitoring program for more than 23,000 captive deer on 1,100 breeding farms, hobby farms and shooting preserves. The Pennsylvania Game Commission collects samples from hunter-harvested deer and elk and those that appear sick or behave abnormally. Since 1998, the commission has tested more than 38,000 free-ranging deer and elk for the disease and all have tested negative.

For more information, visit www.agriculture.state.pa.us and click on the “Chronic Wasting Disease Information” button on the homepage.

[melody]

CWD Not Found in Pink 23 PA captive escapee

News for Immediate Release
Dec. 6, 2012

Chronic Wasting Disease Not Found in Adams County Escaped Deer

Harrisburg – The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture today confirmed that Chronic Wasting Disease was not found in an escaped deer known by its farm tag “Pink 23.”

The doe was part of a New Oxford, Adams County, deer farm where the disease was first detected.

The deer escaped its farm at 1491 New Chester Road, New Oxford, in mid-October when officials were removing the herd for testing. The doe was shot last month on an adjoining deer farm at 1305 New Chester Road, New Oxford. Both farms remain quarantined.

Tests are underway at the Pennsylvania State Veterinary Laboratory in Harrisburg on a deer that escaped from an unlicensed deer farm in Huntington County. The deer, known as “Purple 4,” was originally on a farm that was quarantined. To date, two deer have tested positive for Chronic Wasting Disease. As a result, the agriculture department has quarantined 24 farms in 12 counties that have been identified as being associated with the herd where deer that tested positive for the disease were found. Deer cannot be moved on or off those quarantined premises. Chronic Wasting Disease attacks the brains of infected antlered animals such as deer, elk and moose, producing small lesions that eventually result in death. Animals can get the disease through direct contact with saliva, feces and urine from an infected animal.

There is no evidence that humans or livestock can get the disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Surveillance for the disease has been ongoing in Pennsylvania since 1998. The agriculture department coordinates a mandatory monitoring program for more than 23,000 captive deer on 1,100 breeding farms, hobby farms and shooting preserves. The Pennsylvania Game Commission collects samples from hunter-harvested deer and elk and those that appear sick or behave abnormally. Since 1998, the commission has tested more than 38,000 free-ranging deer and elk for the disease and all have tested negative.

For more information, visit www.agriculture.state.pa.us and click on the “Chronic Wasting Disease Information” button on the homepage.

Media contact:
Samantha Elliott Krepps, 717-787-5085

[melody]

Here's the letter PFSC sent to Ag November 27th. Still no response yet.

[melody]

Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture says second escaped deer also cleared of chronic wasting disease

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

By MARCUS SCHNECK, The Patriot-News

blog.pennlive.com/pa-sportsman/2012/12/pennsylvania_department_of_agriculture_says_second_escaped_deer_also_cleared_of_chronic_wasting_dise.html

The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture late Tuesday afternoon announced that chronic wasting disease was not detected in an escaped deer known as Purple 4 that was associated with the Adams County deer farm that in mid-October became the site of Pennsylvania's first confirmed cases of the always-fatal brain disease.

Purple 4 was a doe that escaped from an unlicensed deer farm in Alexandria, Huntingdon County, sometime last summer and was shot by a hunter the first week of the firearms season for deer, which was Nov. 26-Dec. 1.

Pennsylvania Game Commission chronic wasting disease check stationThe deer check station set up by the Pennsylvania Game Commission near East Berlin as a response to the state's first confirmed case of chronic wasting disease in a captive deer begins operations.Watch video

The animal originated in the deer enclosure in New Oxford, Adams County, where a doe that died Oct. 4 became the state's first confirmed case of CWD. A second deer from that herd was later confirmed to have been infected with CWD.

Last week, the department confirmed that CWD was not found in another deer known as Pink 23 that had roamed free in the New Oxford area from Oct. 18 through Nov. 26.

She was killed by a hunter on Nov. 26, the first day of the 2012 firearms hunting season for deer, on another small deer farm about a quarter mile from the site of her escape.

On Oct. 18 she broke through the fence of an enclosure, as staff from the department of agriculture and agents from the USDA's Wildlife Services were attempting to kill the nine deer that still lived there.

"Depopulating" the captive herd from a site of confirmed CWD and quarantining that site are parts of the state's multi-agency CWD response plan.

The department has quarantined 24 farms in 12 counties that have been identified as being associated with the herd where the positive deer were found. Deer may not be moved on or off those quarantined premises.

Also on Tuesday, the department said it will implement herd plans for the quarantined farms.

CWD attacks the brains of infected antlered animals such as deer, elk and moose, producing small lesions that eventually result in death. Animals can get the disease through direct contact with saliva, feces and urine from an infected animal.

There is no evidence that humans or livestock can get the disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

[melody]

Ags Response to PFSC's Letter:

[melody]

Pennsylvania Additional Deer Farms Released from Chronic Wasting Disease CWD Quarantines
News for Immediate Release

Feb. 8, 2013

Additional Deer Farms Released from Chronic Wasting Disease Quarantines

Harrisburg – The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture today announced quarantines have been lifted on 14 additional deer farms after DNA testing confirmed these farms had no ties to two Adams County deer that died of Chronic Wasting Disease in October 2012.

To ensure the safety of Pennsylvania’s farmed and wild deer, the department took precautions and issued quarantine orders on 34 deer farms between October and December of 2012.

This decision was based on evidence from records kept by the Adams County farm where the first positive deer, known by its farm tag as Yellow 903, originated. The deer farm records indicated that Yellow 903 was born on a Lycoming County farm. To ensure the accuracy of those records, the department sent DNA samples from Yellow 903 and several deer that records indicated were related for testing at the National Veterinary Services Laboratory in Ames, Iowa.

DNA tests results received this week showed conclusively no family relationship between any of the deer, one of which was reported to be Yellow 903’s mother. These results confirm that Yellow 903 did not originate from the Lycoming County farm named in the Adams County farm’s records. Because the 14 farms were connected to the Lycoming County farm and not the Adams County farm, they have been released from quarantine.

Nine farms are still under quarantine by the Department of Agriculture. Those farms remaining are all directly connected to the Adams County farm where both positive deer were found. The department is developing deer herd management plans for these farms.

An interagency Chronic Wasting Disease task force remains in place to address the threat of the disease to Pennsylvania’s captive and wild deer populations and includes the departments of Agriculture, Environmental Protection and Health, the Pennsylvania Game Commission and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.


www.agriculture.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/pennsylvania_department_of_agriculture/10297/pa_agriculture_news_releases?navid=15&parentnavid=0&

[melody]

Release #019-13
3/1/2013


CHRONIC WASTING DISEASE FOUND IN 3 BLAIR AND BEDFORD COUNTIES HUNTER HARVESTED DEER

GAME COMMISSION TO HOLD CWD NEWS CONFERENCE MONDAY, MARCH 4

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Game Commission today confirmed three hunter-killed deer taken in the 2012 general firearms deer season have tested positive for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). Two were from Blair County; the other was from Bedford County.

“These are the first positive cases of CWD in free-ranging deer in Pennsylvania,” confirmed Pennsylvania Game Commission Executive Director Carl G. Roe. “The disease was first documented in early October, 2012, by the state Department of Agriculture in a captive deer on an Adams County deer farm.”

The three hunter-killed deer tissue samples were collected by Game Commission personnel during annual deer aging field checks during the general firearms season for deer. The samples were tested and identified as suspect positive by the Department of Agriculture as part of an ongoing annual statewide CWD surveillance program. The tissue samples were confirmed to be positive for CWD by the National Veterinary Services Laboratories in Ames, Iowa, as part of an established verification process.

“The three CWD-positives were part of 2,945 deer sampled for the disease statewide,” explained Roe. “To date, we have received test results from 1,500 samples, including these three positive samples. Results from the remaining samples should be available in the next few weeks.”

An additional 2,089 deer were sampled and tested from within the designated Disease Management Area in Adams and York counties; CWD was not detected in any of those deer samples. Since 1998, the Game Commission has gathered and submitted more than 43,000 samples from wild deer and elk for CWD testing. The three CWD-positives announced today are the first to be confirmed in 15 years of testing.

“Pennsylvania has an active Interagency CWD Task Force and a dynamic CWD surveillance program,” Roe noted, “and we will continue to be vigilant and initiate steps included in the Commonwealth’s CWD Response Plan. We will continue to work diligently with the Department of Agriculture and other members of the task force to better manage the threat of this disease to the state’s captive and wild deer populations.”

The Game Commission is working to identify and engage the hunters who harvested these CWD-positive deer to confirm where the whitetails were killed. A meeting of the Interagency CWD Task Force is being convened this afternoon to discuss the new CWD-positive deer and possible additional actions to determine the prevalence and distribution of the disease within Pennsylvania, as well as to contain its spread.

The latest information and updates to existing CWD information can be accessed on the Game Commission’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us). Public meetings will be held in the Blair-Bedford County area in coming weeks to share what we know about these CWD-positive deer and CWD in Pennsylvania, and to answer questions the public might have about this disease. How these latest developments may influence hunting regulations and other deer policies are at this time still contingent upon the results of ongoing testing of samples from hunter-killed deer, additional surveillance and fieldwork, and Game Commission and task force deliberations.

CWD is a degenerative brain disease that affects elk, mule deer and white-tailed deer. It is transmitted by direct animal-to-animal contact through saliva, feces and urine. CWD is fatal in deer and elk, but there is no evidence that CWD can be transmitted to humans, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and The World Health Organization.

Signs of the disease include weight loss, excessive salivation, increased drinking and urination, and abnormal behavior such as stumbling, trembling and depression. Infected deer and elk also may allow unusually close approach by humans or natural predators. There is no known treatment or vaccine.

CWD was first discovered in Colorado captive mule deer in 1967, and has since been detected in 22 states and Canadian provinces, including Pennsylvania’s neighboring states of New York, West Virginia and Maryland.


GAME COMMISSION TO HOLD CWD NEWS CONFERENCE MONDAY, MARCH 4

Pennsylvania Game Commission Executive Director Carl G. Roe and other Commonwealth officials will hold a press conference to discuss Chronic Wasting Disease 2 p.m., Monday, March 4, in the auditorium of the Game Commission’s Harrisburg Headquarters, 2001 Elmerton Avenue. To keep Pennsylvania hunters and other residents informed on this breaking story, the press conference also will be webcast through the agency’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us) beginning at 2 p.m. Background on CWD and its limited history in Pennsylvania can be found on the Game Commission’s CWD Info Page.

For more information on CWD from the departments of Agriculture and Health, visit:

www.agriculture.state.pa.us (click on the “Chronic Wasting Disease Information” button on the homepage), and
www.health.state.pa.us (click on “Diseases and Conditions”)

[melody]

PGC Press Conference
3/4/2013

The PGC hosted a press conference at Headquarters on Monday, March 4th concerning the recently confirmed cases of CWD in Blair County, Freedom and Frankstown Townships and Bedford County, South Woodbury Township. A doe in Freedom Township, a buck in Frankstown Township and a buck in South Woodbury Township tested positive for CWD. These deer were harvested during the 2012 Fall Season. The successful hunters indicated that all three (3) animals appeared to be healthy and acted in a normal manner.

Carl G. Roe, Executive Director; Calvin W. DuBrock, Director-Wildlife Management; Bradley J. Myers, Director-SC Region represented the PGC and Deputy Secretary Matthew Meals; Dr. Craig Shultz, Director-Animal Health and Diagnostic Services represented the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA). All individuals listed for PGC and PDA spoke at the press conference.

The audience was reminded that these cases were the first detected in Pennsylvania’s free-ranging whitetail population. CWD has previously been discovered in the wild in Maryland and West Virginia to the south. The Maryland location is approximately 20 miles south of Bedford, Pennsylvania. Area deer farm operations might also be a contributing factor in the spread of CWD. However, no direct connection was indicated or even suggested that these recent findings were related to deer raised in captivity.

Approximately 43,000 deer have been tested by PGC since efforts began to check for CWD in the free-ranging herd after CWD was first confirmed in close proximity to the Commonwealth. The collecting and processing of samples is expensive and only hunting license dollars are being used to fund the monitoring. Estimates indicate that PGC has been budgeting $200,000.00 - $250,000.00 per year for this program. Until recently, a subsidy of about $70,000.00 was being provided by the federal government to assist with expenses. Approximately $400,000.00 was expended in 2012 with the establishment of the “Disease Management Area” (DMA) in Adams and York Counties by the PGC.

In the 2012 Fall Season 5,034 deer were tested statewide by the PGC. Testing was reported as 2,089 deer from the DMA and 2,945 deer from the remainder of the state. During this same period 1,625 deer were tested from Blair and Bedford Counties resulting in the three (3) positive results.

Discussions will continue among the members of the Inter-Agency CWD Task Force to implement reasonable precautions to minimize the impact on both the free-roaming herd and deer farms. It is almost a certainty that a second DMA will be established by the PGC and include parts of Blair and Bedford Counties before the next deer hunting season. The PGC has been commenting for some period that CWD would eventually be found in the wild deer population.

A public meeting is currently being planned by the PGC for Bedford or Blair County on or about 20 March 2013.

REFERENCES: PGC / PDA

www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt?open=514&objID=1253813&mode=2

www.agriculture.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/gateway/PTARGS_0_2_24476_10297_0_43/AgWebsite/Page.aspx?name=Chronic-Wasting-Disease-Information&navid=0&parentnavid=0&pageid=138&

[melody]

PGC: CHRONIC WASTING DISEASE RESPONSE NO. 2
The Pennsylvania Game Commission published its second response to chronic wasting disease, including new disease management areas (DMAs). The new response and management areas were effective March 25, 2013.

www.pabulletin.com/secure/data/vol43/43-14/636.html

Now Therefore, I, Carl G. Roe, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Game Commission, pursuant to the authority vested in me by the Code and regulations promulgated thereunder, do hereby order and direct the following:

 1. Disease Management Areas (DMAs) are designated as set forth below. These DMAs are more graphically illustrated on the maps titled ''DMA 1'' and ''DMA2'' and attached hereto and incorporated by reference herein. Should any conflict exist between the below-listed written boundaries and maps DMA 1 and DMA 2, the written descriptions shall prevail.

 a. DMA 1: Adams and York Counties, Pennsylvania, bounded and described as follows: Starting at the intersection of I-76 and the west bank of the Susquehanna River heading south along the River (21.8 miles) to US Highway 30. Westbound on US Highway 30 (18.3 miles) to Highway 116. Highway 116 towards Hanover (13.7 miles). In Hanover southwest on State Highway 194 (7 miles) to Littlestown, then northwest on State Highway 97 (9.7 miles) to Gettysburg. In Gettysburg, north on State Highway 34 (14.3 miles) to the Idaville road. East on Idaville road (4.8 miles) to the intersection of State Highway 94. North State Highway 94 (2 miles) to Latimore road. East on Latimore Road (1.6 miles) to Mountain road. North on Mountain road (6.9 miles) to Dillsburg and the intersection of US Highway 15. North on US Highway 15 (3.2 miles) to the Yellow Breaches Creek (County Line). Northeast along the banks of the Yellow Breaches Creek (12.1 miles) to the intersection of I-76. East along I-76 (6.4 miles) to the intersection of Susquehanna River and the starting point.

 b. DMA 2: Bedford, Blair, Cambria and Huntingdon Counties, Pennsylvania, bounded and described as follows: Beginning in the Southeastern extent of the DMA at the intersection of US Highway 30 and Graceville Road, proceed north on Graceville Road for approximately 3/4 miles to the Raystown Branch of the Juniata River. Follow the western shore of the river north for 28 1/4 miles to Lake Raystown. Continue north along the western shore of the lake for 45 miles to Raystown Dam. Continue north along the western shore of the Raystown Branch of the Juniata River for 5 3/4 miles to the confluence with the Juniata River. Continue west along the southern shore of the Juniata River to the intersection with US Highway 22. The DMA boundary follows US Highway 22 northwest for 12 1/2 miles to State Highway 453, then northwest along State Highway 453 for 9 miles to Tyrone. In Tyrone, the boundary follows the western, southbound lane of Interstate 99 6 1/2 miles to State Highway 865 at Bellwood. Follow State Highway 865 west 2 3/4 miles to Grandview Road (State Highway 4015). Follow Grandview Road south 6.4 miles to Juniata Gap Road in Altoona. Follow Juniata Gap Road 4 miles to Skyline Drive. Follow Skyline Drive approximately 2 miles to State Highway 36. Follow State Highway 36 west 1 1/2 miles to State Highway 1015 (Coupon-Gallitzin Road). Follow State Highway 1015 south 5 1/4 miles to US Highway 22. Follow US Highway 22 west for approximately 4 miles to State Highway 53. Follow State Highway 53 south 6 1/2 miles State Highway 164 in Portage. Follow State Highway 164 (Puritan Road) 6 3/4 miles to Diamond Lane. Follow Diamond Lane 2 3/4 miles to State Highway 4035 (Blue Knob Road). Follow State Highway 4035 south 1 1/2 miles to Blue Knob Road. Follow Blue Knob Road south 3 3/4 miles to State Highway 869. Follow State Highway 869 1 mile south to Burkett Hill Road. Follow Burkett Hill Road 2.1 miles to Lovely Road. Follow Lovely Road 2.3 miles south to its Pleasant Hollow Road. Follow Pleasant Hollow Road 3 1/2 miles northwest to Calvary Hollow Road. Follow Calvary Hollow Road 2 3/4 miles to State Highway 56. Follow State Highway 56 east 2 miles to State Highway 96 in Pleasantville. Follow State Highway 96 south 10 miles to US Highway 30. Follow US Highway 30 east for 20 miles taking the four lane bypass north of Bedford and Everett boroughs to the start of the description.

 2. Except as follows, the removal or exportation of high risk cervid parts from the above described DMAs is prohibited. The PGC may designate approved locations outside of the above described DMAs for the receipt of high risk cervid parts.

 3. For the purposes of this Order, high-risk parts or materials shall be defined as any parts or materials derived from cervids which are know to accumulate abnormal prions. This includes any of the following:

 a. Head (including brain, tonsils, eyes and lymph nodes);

 b. Spinal Cord/Backbone (vertebra);

 c. Spleen;

 d. Skull plate with attached antlers, if visible brain or spinal cord material is present;

 e. Cape, if visible brain or spinal cord material is present;

 f. Upper canine teeth, if root structure or other soft material is present;

 g. Any object or article containing visible brain or spinal cord material;

 h. Brain-tanned hide.

 4. For the purposes of this Order, high-risk parts or materials shall not include any of the following:

 i. Meat, without the backbone;

 j. Skull plate with attached antlers, if no visible brain or spinal cord material is present;

 k. Tanned hide or rawhide with no visible brain or spinal cored material present;

 l. Cape, if no visible brain or spinal cord material is present;

 m. Upper canine teeth, if no root structure or other soft material is present; and

 n. Taxidermy mounts, if no visible brain or spinal cord material is present.

 5. All cervids killed within the DMAs are subject to CWD testing. This testing may require hunters to present cervids, or cervid parts, for checking and sampling at prescribed locations pursuant to conditions set forth in a forthcoming process. The process shall be made known through public announcement, website and other means reasonably intended to reach the widest audience. The cost of such testing and reporting to the hunter to be borne by the PGC.

 6. The rehabilitation of cervids within the DMAs is prohibited.

 7. The use or possession of cervid urine-based attractants is prohibited in any outdoor setting within the established DMAs.

 8. Direct or indirect feeding of wild, free-ranging cervids within the DMAs is prohibited. This prohibition shall not be construed to apply to normal or accepted agricultural, habitat management, oil and gas drilling, mining, forest management or other legitimate commercial or industrial practices. If otherwise lawful feeding is attracting cervids, the PGC may provide written notice prohibiting such activity. Failure to discontinue such activity is a violation of this Order. For the purposes of this Order, feeding shall include the act of placing any artificial or natural substance for the use or consumption of wild, free-ranging cervids on an annual, seasonal or emergency basis.

 9. No new PGC permits to possess or transport live cervids in the DMAs may be issued.

 10. Except as follows, the possession and removal of vehicular killed cervids, or parts therefrom, from areas within the DMAs to locations outside the DMAs is prohibited. The PGC may designate approved locations outside of the above described DMAs for the receipt of high risk cervid parts.

 11. The requirements and restrictions of this Order are to be construed as separate from and in addition to any previous or future Executive Orders concerning the importation of high risk cervid parts from areas outside of this Commonwealth.

 12. This Order shall not be construed in any manner to limit the PGC's authority to establish additional importation, exportation, possession, transportation or testing requirements on cervid parts or materials.

 13. Nothing in this Order shall be construed to extend to the regulation of captive cervids held under 3 Pa.C.S. Chapter 27 (relating to the Domestic Animal Law) or the requirements of a lawful quarantine order issued by PDA.

 14. This Order is effective immediately and shall remain in effect until rescinded or modified by subsequent order.

 Given under my hand and seal of the Pennsylvania Game Commission on this 25th day of March, 2013.

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STATE’S SECOND DISEASE MANAGEMENT AREA CREATED IN RESPONSE TO CWD
DMAs now in parts of six counties: Adams, Bedford, Blair, Cambria, Huntingdon and York

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Game Commission has established the state’s second Disease Management Area in parts of four counties in response to three hunter-killed deer that tested positive for Chronic Wasting Disease.

Through an executive order, PGC Executive Director Carl G. Roe has created the state’s second Disease Management Area (DMA) in parts of Bedford, Blair, Cambria and Huntingdon counties. The first, in Adams and York counties, was established by executive order in October, 2012. Within these DMAs, there are special restrictions for people to minimize the risk of spreading CWD.

The executive order sets in place a variety of restrictions, including the following: it is illegal to remove or export high-risk cervid parts – including head, spine, spleen – from DMAs; all cervids killed in the DMAs are subject to testing by PGC; cervids within the DMAs cannot be rehabilitated, including injured and reportedly orphaned deer; the use or possession of cervid urine-based attractants is prohibited in DMAs; direct or indirect feeding of wild, free-ranging deer is illegal in DMAs; no new PGC permits will be issued to possess or transport live cervids.

Road-killed deer can be picked up under certain conditions, and those looking to do so can call their PGC regional office for approval.

“The second executive order creates a second Disease Management Area over nearly 900 square miles in Bedford, Blair, Cambria and Huntingdon counties and changes laws, regulations and restrictions related to free-ranging deer and other cervids,” Roe explained. “They are steps we have taken to provide additional protections to the state’s invaluable populations of wild deer and elk.

“We are counting on all Pennsylvanians to help us in this important endeavor,” Roe said. “Their cooperation will play a major role in helping to contain or limit the spread of CWD within the Commonwealth.”

The executive order and maps with descriptions of both DMAs have been posted on the Game Commission’s website, www.pgc.state.pa.us, in the CWD Info Section, which can be accessed from the website’s homepage. They also will be published in the 2013-14 Pennsylvania Hunting and Trapping Digest. Combined, both DMAs total nearly 1,500 square miles of the Commonwealth.

The Commonwealth’s CWD Interagency Task Force went into action to address the threat of the disease to captive and wild deer and elk populations in the state as soon as a captive white-tailed deer tested positive for CWD in October. Task force members include representatives from the state departments of Agriculture, Environmental Protection and Health, the Pennsylvania Game Commission, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Geological Survey/Pennsylvania Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit and Penn State University/Cooperative Extension Offices. Generally, the state Department of Agriculture manages threats from captive deer and other cervids, while the Game Commission manages threats from wild deer and elk. The task force works to carry out an established response plan, which includes education and outreach with public meetings and minimizing risk factors through continued surveillance, testing and management.

Pennsylvania’s first case of CWD was reported by the state Department of Agriculture October 11, 2012; it involved a captive-born and -raised white-tailed deer from a farm near New Oxford in Adams County. The sample tissue was tested at the Pennsylvania Veterinary Laboratory in Harrisburg and verified at the National Veterinary Services Laboratory in Ames, Iowa. The Game Commission on March 1 announced the state’s first three cases of CWD in free-ranging deer.

CWD attacks the brains of infected deer, elk and moose. It is transmitted by direct animal-to-animal contact, such as through saliva, feces and urine, or indirectly by exposure to a contaminated environment. The disease is fatal and there is no known treatment or vaccine. CWD was first discovered in Colorado captive mule deer in 1967, and has since been detected in 21 other states and two Canadian provinces, including Pennsylvania’s neighboring states of New York, West Virginia and Maryland. Pennsylvania is the 22nd state to find CWD in a captive or wild deer population.

The 2012 hunter-killed deer from Bedford and Blair counties that tested positive for CWD were the first since the PGC began testing for the disease in 1998. Prior to that, more than 43,000 free-ranging deer and elk had tested negative for CWD.

For additional information on CWD visit our website at www.pgc.state.pa.us

Travis Lau
Press Secretary
Pennsylvania Game Commission
2001 Elmerton Ave.
Harrisburg PA 17110-9797
717-705-6541