OutdoorNebraska

50 | Big Game Info: 402-471-0641 EPIZOOTIC HEMORRHAGIC DISEASE (EHD) SUMMARY The 2012 EHD event killed about a third of Nebraska's white-tailed deer herd. Estimated unit losses ranged from 4-45 percent. All units, except the Frenchman, had losses exceeding 17 percent. In 2013, EHD caused additional losses in the Plains, Pine Ridge and Sandhills units. Most whitetail herds will have recovered. For more on EHD in Nebraska, visit OutdoorNebraska.org/ehd/ CHRONIC WASTING DISEASE Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is found in 25 states in wild deer populations, and it has been detected in 42 Nebraska counties (See map below). The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission tested 2,970 white-tailed deer and 1,414 mule deer (2015-2018). The results were: • Northeast: 0.4% of white-tailed deer tested positive in 2015 • Southeast: 0.5% of white-tailed deer tested positive in 2016 • Southwest: 9% of mule deer and 13% of white-tailed deer tested positive in 2017 • Northwest: 12% of mule deer and 16% of white-tailed deer tested positive in 2017 • Northwest: 18% of mule deer tested positive in 2018 • Northeast: 0.4% of white-tailed deer tested positive in 2018 What is CWD? — CWD is a fatal, transmissible prion disease of deer and elk. It is not known to spread to humans even though it is estimated that thousands of people have eaten meat from infected deer. Species specific prion diseases, like CWD are present in sheep (Scrapie), cattle (BSE/Mad Cow), mink (TME) and humans (Creutzfeldt-Jakob). How does CWD spread? — CWD is believed to be spread in deer herds by direct contact with infected animals or contaminated substances: saliva, urine, feces, blood, brain, spinal cord, or soil. CWD has the potential to infect any deer herd, and may severely reduce deer numbers. There is no known method to eliminate CWD from wild herds. How can we reduce the spread of CWD and reduce human contact with CWD prions? — Follow these steps: • Educate yourself and others about CWD. • Do not artificially congregate deer by using supplemental feeds or methods that concentrate deer. These sites can become CWD hot spots contaminated with feces, urine and prions from infected deer. Infected sites are impossible to clean up, but fencing or burial can reduce access. • Dispose of deer remains (bones and tissue) at a landfill. Place remains in a heavy plastic bag before disposal to prevent contamination of soil. DO NOT transport the carcass back to the field. • Contact your local Nebraska Game and Parks office if you discover sick or symptomatic animals. How can I get my deer tested for CWD? — Hunters who wish to have a deer tested for CWD can contact an accredited lab in Nebraska or surrounding states for details by visiting: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/ animal_health/nahln/downloads/cwd_lab_list.pdf For more information — Visit the CWD Alliance website at cwd-info.org. Nebraska Counties with CWD

• Cover