Oregon
is ramping up its efforts to collect samples from hunters this year to
test for chronic wasting disease.
“Last year we sampled a little over 1,100. This year, we’re hoping to
sample a little over 2,000 animals,” said Colin Gillin, the Oregon
Department of Fish and Wildlife’s state wildlife veterinarian.
Testing includes both deer and elk taken by hunters. The general rifle
deer season, as well as many controlled hunt-tag deer hunts, open today.
None of the previous samples collected in Oregon since testing began in
1997 ever has tested positive for the disease.
But chronic wasting disease is continuing its slow spread, Gillin said.
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Source: Statesman Journal
October 2, 2004