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This is what is called the "zombie deer disease" and the "mad cow" of the antler and urges Arkansas officials to try to clarify the situation with regards to the chronic debilitating disease. The new guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control also warn humans to avoid consuming infected meat.
It has been discovered that about 600 cervids had a MDC during the last four years in Arkansas and it is expected that cases will continue to climb. More and more resources are being allocated to get there.
"CWD is just something that will not go away," said A.J. Riggs, wildlife biologist for the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission. "Now that the virus has been detected in Arkansas, we will manage it and deer hunting will unfortunately have to change where the virus has been detected."
Riggs spends approximately 60% of his time on Deer and Elk disease, and his workload increases to 100% during the fall. This is because the CWD is a threat to the big economy of deer hunting.
As it spreads to the north, the experts remind everyone of what you need to know about the disease that makes animals sick and disoriented … a bit like zombies.
Four counties have a high rate. Newton County is behind its beginnings, but neighboring counties such as Boone, Carroll, and Madison have dozens of reported cases. Special restrictions are in place and AGFC needs hunters to take action to remedy the situation.
"The most important is the way you handle your meat," Riggs said. "The Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends having your animals tested."
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Although science as to whether it can spread to humans is not conclusive, health officials are very cautious. Thus, the CDC advises people not to eat venison which test is positive. Riggs recommends avoiding making badumptions if you pocket a dollar in the hot zone of the state because you must always perform a test.
"An animal looks perfectly normal," she says. "When I call a hunter to tell him that his animal has tested positive for MDC, his first thing is," It was perfectly normal. It was the right size. There were big woods. "All these kinds of things."
The AGFC has set up deposit boxes for harvested deer and elk to be sent for testing. They took 1400 samples last year. This success rate pushes the commission to install at least one box in each county next season, while encouraging hunters to continue to help.
"We still need hunters," Riggs said. "We always need our athletes to do what they do best and help us manage the natural resources of the state."
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