Chronic Wasting Disease
and Alaska

CWD testing results

Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) belongs to a group of diseases known as transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSE's). TSE's cause a degeneration of the brain in deer, elk and moose. CWD was first detected in deer in 1967 in Northern Colorado. Until 2005, CWD was found only in deer and elk in the wild. In 2005, the first case of CWD in moose was confirmed in Colorado in an area endemic for CWD. Since then, Wyoming has also confirmed CWD in a moose. To date, CWD has not been detected in any Alaskan wildlife. Currently, it has been found in CO, IL, KS, MI, MN, MT, NE, NM, NY, OK, SD, WY, WI, WV, UT, Saskatchewan and Alberta. (Map of CWD locations.) Animals that are infected with CWD show changes in behavior and may exhibit extreme weight loss, excessive salivation, stumbling and tremors. CWD takes at least 17 months to develop in an infected deer or elk, and these signs may depend on the length or extent of infection. CWD is 100% fatal once signs develop. The mode of CWD transmission is not known with certainty. It is thought to be passed from animal to animal, possibly via saliva, feces and/or urine.

Quick Facts About CWD

• The ADF&G began a testing program in September 2003 to monitor for the possible appearance of CWD in Alaskan wild deer and elk as well as other wildlife.
• It affects elk, white-tailed deer, mule deer, black-tailed deer and moose.
• Long term research to try to transmit CWD to wild sheep, reindeer/caribou, or cattle has been negative so far.
• There is no scientific evidence supporting transfer of CWD between wildlife and cattle or humans. Whether or not CWD can be transmitted to other animals, how it is transmitted and the risk factors for the disease are all questions that remain to be answered.
• Confirmation of CWD diagnosis is made by examination and analysis of brain tissue and lymph nodes from dead animals. There is no reliable live animal test.

CWD Testing in Alaska - Targeted Testing

In 2003, the Alaska Dept of Fish & Game began targeted surveillance across the entire state on Sitka black-tailed deer, elk, moose, or caribou found dead, sick with signs compatible with CWD, or were killed by vehicles. Targeted testing continues yearly. Cervids euthanized or which die at state research facilities (moose and caribou), and free-ranging caribou taken for herd health assessments have also been tested for CWD.

In fall 2009 through winter 2010, targeted testing will have a focus on moose that are hit by vehicles in the Palmer-Wasilla (GMU 14), Kenai-Soldotna (GMU 15), Homer (GMU 15), and Delta Junction (GMU 20) areas. Charities receiving moose through the road-kill programs will be given information about bringing in the head for testing at the time they are contacted about an available moose, if it is located within particular areas.

CWD Testing in Alaska - Hunter Harvest

In Alaska, testing for CWD on hunter harvested Sitka black-tailed deer and elk began in fall 2003 on the Kodiak archipelago (GMU 8) with a voluntary surveillance program that has continued each hunting season. There are no moose in GMU 8. In the first three years (2003 - 2005), hunters donated heads from a total of 923 deer harvested throughout the archipelago and 45 Roosevelt Elk from the elk herds on Afognak and Raspberry Islands. One of these elk was harvested on the north end of Kodiak Island, which has no resident elk herds, and is believed to have swum over from one of the established herds based on reports from numerous sightings. Three deer, hit by cars, have also also tested. During 2006, an additional 192 deer and 10 elk from hunters' harvests were tested. Results were negative for CWD for all.

In fall 2007, 178 deer and 12 elk from hunters' harvests were sampled. Also, 7 deer and 1 elk hit by cars or found dead were tested. Results are negative for CWD for all animals.

During the August 2008 - January 2009 sport subsistence hunting seasons, CWD testing on hunters' harvests of deer and elk, was continued with funding and support from the two Safari Club International chapters located in Alaska - the Alaska Kenai Peninsula chapter and the Alaska chapter. 13 elk and 96 Sitka black-tailed deer were sampled for testing, and results are negative.

Testing is not planned for the fall 2009 hunting season.

In 2005, surveillance testing of hunter harvested deer and elk was expanded to Southeast Alaska (GMU's 1-5). In this first year, primary collection efforts were based from Ketchikan and Douglas, with secondary collection points at Sitka and Petersburg. A total of 236 Sitka black-tailed deer were sampled from all five game management units of Southeast Alaska. The majority of deer brought in by hunters for testing came from the area of Prince of Wales Island (GMU 2)(61 deer) and Admiralty - Baranof - Chichagof Islands (GMU 4)(120 deer). Six elk harvested on Zarembo, Etolin, and Bushy Islands (GMU 3) from the mixed Roosevelt and Rocky Mountain elk herds were also tested. All results are negative for CWD.

In 2006, the main collection points in Southeast Alaska for deer from hunters' harvests were Prince of Wales Island (GMU 2) and Sitka (GMU 4). These are the two highest harvesting GMU's for deer in SE. A total of 312 deer were collected and sampled for testing. The amounts by area are: 184 deer from GMU 2 (area of Prince of Wales Island), 118 from GMU 4 (Admiralty-Baranof-Chichagof Islands), 8 from GMU 1A (Ketchikan), and 2 from GMU 3 (Petersburg). Elk were also targeted, but no elk were brought in for sampling. Only one elk was harvested in the entire hunting season. 2006 results are negative for CWD for all animals tested.

In fall 2007, 3 elk from GMU 3 (Petersburg-Wrangell) were tested and found negative for CWD. No testing was done on hunted animals in 2008 and is not planned for the fall 2009 hunting season.

CWD Testing Results

All results received from the lab have been negative to date. No CWD has been detected in the samples from the animals tested. "Pending results" are unknown, and will be posted when the test results are received.

Precautions When Hunting Outside Alaska

To help ensure that CWD doesn't spread to Alaska, take the following precautions when hunting Outside of Alaska:

• Do not harvest, handle or consume wild animals that appear to be sick.
• Wear rubber gloves while field dressing carcasses.
• Minimize handling of brain and spinal tissues. Wash hands and tools thoroughly afterwards with warm, soapy water then disinfect tools with bleach diluted 1:10 in water.
• Bone out carcasses. The meat is safe but discard the brain, spinal cord, eyes, spleen and lymph nodes and other inedibles in the appropriate location where the animal was harvested.
• Skulls and antlers should be cleaned of all brain matter prior to transportation.
• Do NOT bring unprocessed carcasses or heads from deer, elk or moose into Alaska.

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(Updated December 21, 2009)