Pa. Game Commission to hold public events to educate about Chronic Wasting Disease
John BuffoneAs Pennsylvania continues the battle against Chronic Wasting Disease in whitetail deer, the Game Commission is taking measures to better educate hunters and non-hunter about the neurological disease.
The containment area in Pennsylvania recently expanded by 2,000 square miles.
A series of education events have been planned by the Game Commission so the public better understands CWD and can help prevent the disease from spreading.
Tuesday, Oct. 15, 7 p.m. – Union County: Join the Pennsylvania Game Commission for an informational presentation on Chronic Wasting Disease at the Buffalo Valley Sportsmen’s Club, 950 Sportsmen’s Club Road, Mifflinburg. Learn about this deadly brain disease of deer and elk and what you can do to help prevent the spread of CWD in this short, 30-minute presentation, followed by a question and answer session. Contact the Northcentral Region Office at 570-398-4744 or pgc-ncregion@pa.gov with questions.
Thursday, Oct. 17, 6:30-8 p.m. – Montgomery County: Join the Pennsylvania Game Commission's Southeast Region for an informational presentation on chronic-wasting disease at the Upper Perkiomen Sportsmen’s Association; 398 E 6th St, Red Hill. For more information, contact the Game Commission's Southeast Region Office at 610-926-3136.
Thursday, Oct. 17; 7-8:30 p.m. – Somerset County: Join the Pennsylvania Game Commission's Southwest Region for an informational presentation on chronic-wasting disease at Berlin Community Center, 700 North Street, Berlin. For more information, contact the Game Commission's Southwest Region Office at 724-238-9523.
Wednesday, Oct. 23, 7-8:30 p.m. – Allegheny County: Join the Pennsylvania Game Commission's Southwest Region for an informational presentation on chronic-wasting disease at Pitcairn-Monroeville Sportsmen’s Club, 505 Mosside Blvd., North Versailles. For more information, contact the Game Commission's Southwest Region Office at 724-238-9523.
Monday, Oct. 28, 7 p.m. – Clearfield County: Join the Pennsylvania Game Commission for an informational presentation on Chronic Wasting Disease at the Clearfield Fairgrounds, Agriculture Building, 5615 Park St. Clearfield. Learn about this deadly brain disease of deer and elk and what you can do to help prevent the spread of CWD in this short, 30-minute presentation, followed by a question and answer session. Contact the Northcentral Region Office at 570-398-4744 or pgc-ncregion@pa.gov with questions.
Monday, Oct. 28, 7-8:30 p.m. – Indiana County: Join the Pennsylvania Game Commission's Southwest Region for an informational presentation on chronic-wasting disease at Hilltop Baptist Church, 4859 Rt. 286 Hwy. W., Indiana For more information, contact the Game Commission's Southwest Region Office at 724-238-9523.
Tuesday, Oct. 29, 6 p.m. –Blair County: Join the Pennsylvania Game Commission for an informational presentation on Chronic Wasting Disease at the Hollidaysburg High School, 1510 Montgomery St., Hollidaysburg. Learn about this deadly brain disease of deer and elk and what you can do to help prevent the spread of CWD in this short, 30-minute presentation, followed by a question and answer session. For more information, contact the Southcentral Region Office at 814-643-1831.
More:What you need to know about Chronic Wasting Disease before the 2019 hunting season
Chronic Wasting Disease is a degenerative neurological disease found in deer, elk and moose. It causes abnormal behavior, loss of basic bodily functions and general disorientation. It has an extended incubation period, so a deer could be infected for almost two years before it shows any signs.
Some symptoms include:
- lowered head
- Drooping ears
- Excess saliva
- Coordination issues
- Tame behavior toward humans
- Extremely thin