by John R. Goss, DNR Director
There has been a lot of news this year about West Nile -- the virus carried by mosquitoes that have been in contact with infected birds.
Most people have learned that long sleeves and mosquito repellant that contains DEET provide good protection from mosquito bites.
Another animal disease is making the news lately.
Chronic wasting disease has infected deer and elk in a few western states including Colorado and Wyoming for 20 years or more. It is fatal to deer, but there hasn't been a single documented case of a person coming down with chronic wasting.
In fact the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization have found no evidence that it even is possible for a human to contract chronic wasting disease from a deer.
It was thought that chronic wasting would stay west of the Mississippi River -- that is, until outbreaks were discovered this year in Wisconsin and Minnesota deer.
We don't think the disease is in Indiana's wild deer herd, and we have taken important steps to protect Hoosier deer.
The Board of Animal Health this summer banned the importation of captive deer. Transportation of infected deer from one livestock farm to another is the most likely way the disease could move from one region of the country to another.
Also, the DNR is collecting specimens this fall from 3,000 deer taken during hunting season. Lab tests will be conducted to determine if any Indiana deer have chronic wasting disease or bovine tuberculosis, a disease found in deer in some neighboring states.
Several other states also are collecting specimens. Soon, we'll have a very good picture of how far the disease has spread.
With the news of chronic wasting, it is natural for hunters to ask if they or any family members should be afraid of handling Indiana deer.
To answer that question, I asked several DNR biologists what they will do.
They plan to eat venison this year.
Jim Mitchell is the state's deer biologist. He has followed the issue for years.
Jim said that this year he will field dress deer and prepare venison and other wild game using the same common-sense health precautions and sanitary practices he always does. He'll wash his hands thoroughly before and after preparing the meat and cook it to at least a consistent 140 degrees.
Also, Jim says cooking the meat thoroughly would eliminate West Nile in the rare case that a deer would carry that virus. Wearing rubber gloves can erase concerns about coming in contact with the virus while processing a deer.
More information about chronic wasting and excellent sanitation tips are available on the Internet at www.deerhealth.IN.gov. Also, West Nile information is found at www.state.in.us/isdh/healthinfo/westnile/index.htm.
Chronic wasting is very different from West Nile. We have much to learn about, and we'll keep you informed.
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