The Minnesota Senate Environment Committee on Tuesday approved a bill from Sen. Mike Goggin (R – Red Wing) that would address Chronic Wasting Disease, a prion disease similar to Mad Cow, that has been plaguing Minnesotan deer and elk herds for years. Senate File 1258 would provide a one-time appropriation of 1.8 million to the University of Minnesota for research to develop early diagnostic testing of the disease.

“It’s imperative that we get CWD under control before it spreads to cattle and or other livestock,” said Senator Goggin. “The U of M has the resources to create tests that will benefit hunters, farmers, and ultimately, our citizens. They have great research capabilities, and all they need now is the funding. This legislation is a proactive step in the right direction.”

Cervidae farms have been stepping up to collaborate with the U of M in their research.  Their fenced-in herds provide the ideal controlled environment from which to pull necessary specimen.

Dr. Jeremy Schefers, who testified for the bill, pointed out, “It’s impossible to manage what we can’t measure.”

Efficient testing of non-invasive live samples, soil, and nutrition could help eradicate Chronic Wasting Disease.