Dear Editor,
In June of 2017, the PA Game Commission (PGC) killed a sick deer near Mahaffey, Pa., on State Game Lands 87.
In July the PGC confirmed that the sick deer DID have Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) and did NOT come from a deer farm, but was a wild deer.
In order for that sick deer to show outwards signs of illness, it had CWD for quite some time. A deer can appear healthy and still have CWD; it is only at the end of the illness that physical signs of illness actually appear.
It is nearly archery season. Many hunters are unaware that a deer tested positive for CWD and those that do know have the slightest idea what CWD is, how dangerous it is, how it should be handled, where to have the deer tested, how CWD can effect humans, and to not to eat any venison until the hunter gets proof positive that their deer is CWD-free.
In an online news conference, the PGC suggested for hunters to get any sickly-looking or questionable deer tested for CWD. I encourage all hunters to have every harvested deer tested whether the deer appears ill or not.
The prions that cause CWD are not alive, but are misshapen proteins that cause severe neurological impairments in humans (Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease), cows (Mad Cow Disease), sheep (Scrapie), deer (Chronic Wasting Disease) and even felines.
Prions cannot be killed. Washing, disinfecting, heating, cooking, or even incinerating prions cannot eliminate them; they thrive in all conditions.
Transmission of CWD has already been determined in the macaque monkey. The scientific research is on its way to determine if CWD transmission to humans is possible, as well.
If Mad Cow Disease can be transmitted to humans through consumption of tainted beef, then how are we to believe that CWD could not be transmitted to humans through the consumption of tainted venison, as well?
I’d rather air on the side of caution than risk my life or the lives of my family. I’d advise and urge all hunters in Disease Management Area 3 to do the same.
Sincerely,
Allison Gould
Mahaffey