News reports about deer are springing out this season with cause for concern of Chronic Wasting Disease. This fatal, neurological disease affects the deer species including white-tailed deer, mule deer and elk. Although Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is not a concern for humans, as far as we know, there is a concern among livestock animals and other deer herds. 

Deer may have Chronic Wasting Disease if they are experiencing:

• Drastic weight loss (wasting)
• Stumbling
• Lack of coordination
• Listlessness
• Drooling
• Excessive thirst or urination
• Drooping ears
• Lack of fear of people
• Aggression

Deer Farmers have mandatory testing of deer for Chronic Wasting Disease. If a member of the herd has the disease, it will be taken out of the farm for testing. The deer farm may be quarantined until it is deemed safe by agricultural professionals. 

If deer have tested positively for CWD, re-frame from eating the deer meat. Just like Mad Cow Disease, humans may get violently ill if they eat bad deer meat.