Chronic Wasting Disease: Safety Tips for Hunters - Health

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.

 Experts at the National Institutes of Health say there is no evidence of humans contracting CWD . But , to minimize risk , the Center For Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) says you should n't eat meat from a deer infected with the disease.

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.