The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) has announced a quarantine order aimed at preventing the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) into Nevada. The disease, which affects the deer family, was recently detected in a road-killed deer near Bishop, California. This is the closest detection to Nevada thus far.
Dr. Nate LaHue, NDOW Health Specialist and Veterinarian, emphasized the need for precautions due to deer movement between states. "This detection is hundreds of miles away from the nearest known CWD infected herd. Therefore, it was most likely moved by people, either through movement and dumping of carcass parts or through movement of live cervids [animals in the deer family]," he stated.
CWD has now been found in three out of five states bordering Nevada: Idaho, Utah, and California.
To mitigate risks and enhance surveillance efforts, new quarantine measures have been implemented under Nevada Revised Statute Chapter 571 and Nevada Administrative Code 441A. These measures also apply to hunters harvesting species in the deer family outside of Nevada. The quarantine order will remain effective until February 1, 2025, unless lifted earlier by written release from the State Quarantine Officer.
Hunters are advised to visit ndow.org for information on preparing their harvests for transport.