Infected NY deer might be result of additives

[RTF]

From RTF's local paper on 4/8/05

Otsego County , NY

As you all probably know by now, there were two cases of chronic wasting disease (CWD) in whitetail deer in Oneida County recently. These are the first reported cases of this disease in New York State. The animals affected were not wild but farm-raised, penned animals.

CWD is a transmissible disease that affects the brain and central nervous system in certain deer and elk. There is no evidence that CWD is linked to any disease in humans or domestic livestock, but the characteristics of the disease are similar to that of mad cow disease.

Since this disease is transmitted through direct contact, how did these penned animals in Oneida County get infected? The opinion of some biologists and scientists is the addition of animal protein in the commercial feed consumed by the animals.

Let’s face it, deer and cattle are not designed to eat animal biproducts. These animals are browsers and grazers, not meat-eaters. They have no top teeth or canines in the front of their mouths.

By supplementing feeds with additional protein (ie. rendered animal meat, fat and bone marrow) to enhance antler growth, etc., these deer may have been contaminated. So now, it must be contained to ensure that other whitetail deer will not be affected and spread the disease.

A five-to-10 mile circle will be drawn around the contaminated area and every deer in that area — an estimated 400 — will be destroyed. This same practice was done in Wisconsin a few years ago and was very successful.

If anyone is interested, the DEC and the Department of Agriculture and Markets will have a public informational meeting at 1 p.m. Saturday the Westmoreland Middle School, which is on Route 233 between Utica and Rome.

Changes and Additions

• The second annual Youth Turkey Hunting Opportunity will be held April 23-24. Hunters ages 12-15 can use this early chance to get a turkey. Youths must be accompanied by a properly licensed adult, and only one turkey can be taken at this time. The other turkey tag cannot be used until May 1.

• A few weeks ago, I told you about the new proposals for this year’s deer season. The early, primitive muzzle-loader season has been scrapped for this year. However, there was too much public opposition to continue with this plan at this time.

Many of the seasons will have Saturday openings that will hopefully increase hunting opportunities for younger and older hunters. Those who can’t get the day off for a Monday opener will be able to get out on the weekend.

• I’m excited about the pilot program for two management units located primarily in Ulster County (WMU’s 3C and 3J). Bucks harvested in those areas will have a three-point antler restriction. At least one antler on the buck must have three points to be legal. Hunters under the age of 17 will be exempt from this requirement.

I think that we’ll see an expansion of the age structure of the bucks in that area over the next couple years, making the deer hunting far better. Hopefully it will be extended to other parts of the state soon.

[RangerClay]

Re: Infected NY deer might be result of additives

Thanks RTF!!

My family doctor used to be in Cooperstown. Is that little outdoor store still open that was kinda across the street from the Hall of Fame? I used to really enjoy that store. It was in a white building if I remember right.

Ranger

[longislandhunter]

Re: Infected NY deer might be result of additives

Interesting reading,, thanks.