Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD)
Chronic wasting disease (CWD) affects the brain and nervous system of infected cervids (deer, elk and moose) eventually resulting in death.
Current Status:
Following the detection of CWD in both captive and free-ranging deer in Pennsylvania, an executive order (PDF) was issued by the Game Commission to establish Disease Management Areas (DMAs). Within DMAs, rehabilitation of cervids (deer, elk and moose); the use or possession of cervid urine-based attractants in an outdoor setting; the removal of high-risk cervid parts; and the feeding of wild, free-ranging cervids are prohibited. Increased testing continues in these areas to determine the distribution of the disease. Newly confirmed cases alter the boundaries of DMAs as the Game Commission continues to manage the disease and minimize its effect on free ranging cervids.
In Pennsylvania, Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) has been detected in these Disease Management Areas (DMAs): DMA 1 on a captive deer farm in Adams County during 2012 (DMA 1 has since been eliminated); DMA 2 in multiple free-ranging deer in Bedford, Blair, Cambria, and Fulton counties from 2012 -2017, and captive deer farms in Bedford, Franklin, and Fulton counties during 2017; DMA 3 in two captive deer farms in Jefferson County during 2014 and a free-ranging deer in Clearfield County during 2017. In addition, CWD has been detected in wild or captive deer and/or elk in many other states and provinces.
Rules and regulations regarding CWD in Pennsylvania are found in the Game Commission executive order (PDF) and Title 58 regulations.
Public Meetings
- Thursday, Oct. 5 at 6:30 p.m. – Fayetteville Fire hall, sponsored by state Rep. Rob Kauffman. More information: 814-643-1831.
- Thursday, Oct. 5 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. – Mahaffey Fire Hall, 958 Market St., sponsored by state Reps. Matt Gabler, Thomas Sankey and Cris Dush. Come anytime during the event and learn at your own pace; informational handouts and staff members will be available throughout the evening.
- Tuesday, Oct. 10 at 6:30 p.m. – McConnellsburg Fire hall, sponsored by state Sen. John H. Eichelberger Jr. and state Rep. Jesse Topper. More information: 814-643-1831.