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DEC urging hunters to have deer tested for Chronic Wasting Disease

By WKTV News

Story Created: Nov 15, 2011 at 5:15 PM EDT

Story Updated: Nov 15, 2011 at 6:23 PM EDT

ROME, N.Y. (WKTV) - The State Department of Environmental Conservation is testing deer for chronic wasting disease after two deer in Westmoreland tested positive for this rare and fatal disease in 2005.

It was he first occurrence in New York State.

Chronic Wasting Disease attacks the brain of infected deer, causing them to display abnormal behavior, ultimately leading to their death. So far, studies have shown the disease is not transferable to humans.

"Because we did find the disease here, this is kind of the hot spot of the state," said Steven Heerkens of the NYS DEC. "And even though we haven't found subsequent cases of it since '05, it is still an area of concern."

The DEC is asking hunters to voluntarily drop off deer heads to be checked for the disease at the Rome Deer Check Station during one of open times:

November 21, 22, 26 and 27 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The check station is located just off Route 365 on Hoag Road.

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