Join Now to Uncover Shocking Insights on Iowa’s Battle Against Chronic Wasting Disease
The Chronic Wasting Disease Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has organized a virtual public meeting to provide the community with updates on the statewide surveillance and management initiatives for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD).
The meeting is set for November 29 at 7 p.m. and will take place on Zoom. To participate, interested individuals must pre-register using the provided link.
To access the presentation, participants will need a computer or smart device with a secure internet connection. While attendees can also join via phone to listen to the audio, the complete recording will be later available on the Iowa DNR’s YouTube channel and shared on various social media platforms.
Chronic Wasting Disease
As of November 14, 263 wild deer have tested positive for CWD across 16 Iowa counties. The DNR has heightened disease surveillance efforts during the 2023-2024 deer hunting season in Grundy, Jasper, and Marshall counties, where the disease was most recently identified.
Dr. Tyler Harms, a biometrician with the Iowa DNR, emphasized the importance of collective efforts in managing the disease: “Effective management of this disease requires all hands on deck. We are extremely grateful for the partnerships we have with hunters, landowners, and passionate citizens across the state to help monitor for and slow the spread of this disease.”
This public meeting serves as an opportunity for all Iowans to learn more about CWD surveillance and management efforts in the state, discover ways to contribute, and, importantly, pose questions.
Dr. Rachel Ruden, state wildlife veterinarian, encouraged citizens to stay informed about the spread of CWD in Iowa, stating, “As this disease continues to expand its geographic footprint in Iowa, we encourage all Iowans to stay up-to-date on where we have found Chronic Wasting Disease so they can make informed consumption decisions.”
Testing for Chronic Wasting Disease requires a tissue sample from a specific lymph node located just behind the jaw.
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