Chronic Wasting Disease: Safety Tips for Hunters

First Case of Chronic Wasting Disease Confirmed in Deer in Spokane County

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife confirmed the first case of Chronic Wasting Disease ( CWD ) in a dead adult female white - tailed deer near the Fairwood area of north Spokane . The deer was found dead in the Fairwood area . Chronic Wasting Disease is caused by a defect in proteins in the brain called prions and can only be confirmed through testing of lymph nodes or brain tissue . CWD has been verified in 34 states and several Canadian provinces and can spread to elk and moose , but not to domestic animals or humans.

When hunting in areas with CWD activity , it is recommended to follow certain safety steps to reduce the risk of contact with the disease . Hunters are advised not to shoot , handle , or eat animals that appear sick or behave strangely , and to avoid touching or eating meat from animals found dead , such as roadkill.

Precautions and Safety Tips for Hunters

When field - dressing a deer or handling meat , it is important to wear latex or rubber gloves , avoid handling internal organs , especially the brain or spine , and not to use knives or tools from the kitchen . It is also strongly advised to have the deer or elk tested for CWD before consuming the meat . The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is working with affected communities and local governments to reduce the spread of the disease , as there is currently no cure for CWD , which can spread to other cervids and potentially reduce populations if it becomes widespread.

The confirmed case of CWD in the white - tailed deer near Spokane highlights the importance of proper testing and precautions for hunters in areas where CWD is present . The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife will be conducting testing around the state , especially in areas where the virus is suspected . Information regarding CWD and Safety Tips for hunters can be found on the WDFW website.