More CWD in NM

[DesertBull]

Lab finds New Mexico deer died of CWD

 

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) -- A sickly mule deer that died in southern New Mexico last month was infected with chronic wasting disease, bringing to 12 the total number of cases reported in the state since 2002, according to New Mexico game officials.

 

The New Mexico Game and Fish Department is concerned about the most recent mule deer death because it was in the Sacramento Mountains, about 50 miles southwest of where the first 11 cases were discovered, said spokesman Dan Williams.

 

"When the disease first showed up, it was in area near the White Sands Missile Range. It was fairly well confined to that area," he said. "The other nearest cases were way up in Colorado."

 

The disease has affected deer and elk in eight states and two Canadian provinces. But, in New Mexico, no cases have been found in elk.

 

Chronic wasting disease causes animals to become emaciated, display abnormal behavior, lose control of bodily functions and die.

 

"It's a disease that's similar to mad cow disease," Williams said. "Where these animals got the disease, we're just not sure."

 

Residents of the mountain community of Timberon reported to game officers that they saw an old doe in very poor health. The deer died before officers found it in early June.

 

Tissue samples from the animal's brain stem were sent to a laboratory at Colorado State University. Positive test results were reported to the Game and Fish Department by phone on June 29.

 

Williams said the state is awaiting a written report confirming the animal's condition, but is already warning hunters to take precautions when hunting big game. The season runs from September through November.

[az4life]

Gosh, that is interesting. It is movign closer to AZ if that is the case. Maybe 100 miles or so to our border. Fact is this disease knows no geographic borders so it is only a matter of time.

Hope I do not get the first Coues with it.