Chronic Wasting Disease Confirmed in West Virginia Captive Deer Herd

Chronic Wasting Disease in West Virginia Deer Herd

A case of chronic wasting disease (CWD) has been confirmed in a captive deer herd in North Central West Virginia. This discovery was confirmed by West Virginia Commissioner of Agriculture Kent Leonhardt.

The first positive test was reported in September after several deer in the facility died from epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD). EHD often spreads quickly among deer but tends to disappear after the first frost, while CWD is a long-term disease that only shows signs at late stages.

Leonhardt stated that some whitetail deer tested positive for CWD. This detection marks the first case in a captive deer herd in the state and the first occurrence outside the known containment zones.

The facility is under quarantine, and plans are in place for humane depopulation, pending the indemnity process. This process is standard when livestock is destroyed to prevent disease spread.

One deer from the infected facility was transferred to another location before the CWD discovery. It tested positive as well, but it was in an early stage, suggesting low risk of spreading the disease.

The West Virginia Legislature shifted regulatory authority over captive cervid facilities to the Department of Agriculture in 2015, with concerns over CWD being a main topic during discussions. Leonhardt, a former state Senator who supported this change, emphasized that deer farming practices are safer in controlling disease spread compared to wild populations.

The investigation is ongoing, and monitoring of both captive and wild deer in nearby areas continues. The Department of Natural Resources is ready to assist in protecting the wild deer population.

Leonhardt has pledged to provide more updates about the outbreak as the investigation unfolds.