According to the Park Service, this is the first CWD in Harpers Ferry.
HARPER’S FERRY, WV (KM) – The National Park Service announced that two deer recently found at Harper’s Ferry National Historical Park have tested positive for chronic wasting disease. These deer reside in the park’s Jefferson County, West Virginia, area and were discovered during recent white-tailed deer reduction efforts and disease sampling.
Park Service officials said the two deer are the first in Harpers Ferry to test positive for the disease. Several deer recently found at Antietam National Battlefield and Monocacy National Battlefield have tested positive for chronic wasting disease.
Chronic wasting disease is a fatal neurological disease that affects members of the cervid family, including white-tailed deer, mule deer, elk, and moose. It was first discovered in 1967 and quickly spread, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.
Although there is no evidence that the disease can be transmitted to humans, the Park Service says venison from these deer should not be eaten. Venison from two deer that tested positive for chronic wasting disease at Harpers Ferry was destroyed.
The National Park Service urges visitors to national parks who see dead wild animals to avoid contact with the animals and report them to park rangers. Visitors should also keep their distance from wild animals and avoid touching or handling dead or sick animals. Some pathogens, such as rabies, can be transmitted between wild animals and humans.
Park Service personnel are trained in wildlife health and take special safety precautions when dealing with sick and deceased wild animals.
Written by Kevin McManus
