Chronic wasting disease confirmed for first time in Kentucky
FRANKFORT, Ky. – The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources announced Thursday that Kentucky has a confirmed detection of Chronic Wasting Disease, a fatal neurologic disease affecting deer, elk and other species in the deer family.
According to a release by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, Kentucky’s first documented case of the disease was found in a deer from Ballard County.
The release states two independent tests of tissue from a male white-tailed deer harvested by a hunter in November showed an infection with CWD.
While the release states there is no conclusive evidence of CWD being transmitted to humans, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends avoiding the consumption of meat from animals positive with CWD.
Kentucky Fish and Wildlife says it always recommends not eating the meat of game animals that seem sick or in poor condition.
Deer that appear to be sick but do not have an obvious injury can be reported using the department’s sick deer online reporting form here.
Reports will be reviewed by the agency’s staff, who will contact the person who sent the report if additional information is needed.
As Kentucky Fish and Wildlife is gathering more details about the infected deer, the department says it is in contact with national, state and local partners to consider the next steps following detection.
