A bill authored by State Senator Mike Goggin (R-Red Wing) would jumpstart the state’s efforts to combat Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), a devastating neurological disease that affects deer, elk, moose, reindeer, and caribou. Sen. Goggin’s bill would appropriate $1.5 million to the Department of Natural Resources for wildlife disease surveillance and emergency response.

Though the disease is not dangerous to humans, experts at the Center for Disease Control (CDC) warn hunters not to eat meat from infected animals. Certain permit areas in Southeast Minnesota held a special hunt January 25 through January 27 and February 1 through February 3 in hopes of controlling the disease.

“Even though CWD is not dangerous to people, it has the potential to wipe out deer populations,” said Sen. Goggin. “In a state with such an extensive and deeply-rooted hunting tradition, it poses a serious concern. It’s important to give the DNR the resources needed to stop CWD before it gets out of hand.”

CWD is spread by both animal to animal contact and by environmental contact with infected deer. Deceased infected deer carcasses can also serve as an infection source. Signs a deer has been infected include emaciation; excessive drool or saliva; loss of fear of humans; tremors, staggering, and loss of body control; drooping head or ears; and confusion. If residents see a deer who exhibits those symptoms, they should report it to their local conservation officer or area wildlife office.