Hundreds of thousands of deer hunters headed for the hills in recent weeks, their eyes, ears and guns focused tightly on the immediate chase while at least a piece of their minds worried about the future.

On top of all their continuing concerns -- declining numbers, fewer open areas to hunt, more people who dislike what hunters do -- an entirely different and unpredictable problem is on the horizon: disease.

Chronic wasting disease was found east of the Mississippi for the first time nearly four years ago and was diagnosed this year in two wild white-tailed deer in New York and five in West Virginia. Experts believe it will be found in Pennsylvania soon. It may already be present.

There is no evidence the disease can be transmitted to humans, and it spreads very slowly in the wild. On the other hand, CWD is always fatal to deer, elk and moose; there is no vaccine, treatment or cure.

Perhaps the greatest concern is the possible ripple effect that discovery of the disease could have on recreational hunting and consumption of venison.

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Source: The News & Observer Publishing Company
December 29, 2005

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