The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) has reported the first case of chronic wasting disease (CWD) in Page County.
The white-tailed doe was reported in July after showing clinical signs of the fatal neurodegenerative disease. “It is currently uncommon to see deer that appear sick as a result of CWD in Virginia,” the DWR said in the news release. “Infected animals may not exhibit any symptoms of CWD for 16 months to two years after exposure.”
18 counties now CWD-positive
Located in northern Virginia, Page County has been included in the state’s Disease Management Area 2 for several years because it is close to other known cases of CWD. This detection won’t lead to any regulatory changes, the DWR said.
It is currently uncommon to see deer that appear sick as a result of CWD in Virginia.
DWR Wildlife Veterinarian John Tracey, DVM, said, “Page County has been one of those counties that has been somewhat difficult for us to get samples from. All the counties around it, especially to the north of it have the disease.”
Virginia first reported a case of CWD in Frederick County in 2009. With the Page County detection, 18 counties in the state are now CWD-positive.
CWD, a slow and progressive disease caused by infectious misfolded proteins called prions, affects cervids such as deer, elk, and moose, spreading through cervid-to-cervid contact and environmental contamination. No vaccine or treatment is available. Although no human cases of CWD have been reported, health officials warn against eating the meat of infected animals and urge caution when handling the carcasses.
