CWD found in Lubbock County mule deer

In what wildlife biologists describe as a “concerning” development, the neurological disease CWD, or chronic wasting disease, has been detected in a mule deer in Lubbock County. According to a news release from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, the tissue samples from the 8.5-year-old mule deer were collected on Feb. 26 as part of “routine deer mortality surveillance.” The release explains that, “Because eradication is thought to be impossible once CWD becomes established in a population, it is imperative that TPWD work with landowners, hunters and other agencies to contain the disease within a limited geographic area and prevent it from spreading further among Texas deer populations.” TPWD is working with the Texas Animal Health Commission to develop a “containment and surveillance zone” in the area where the affected mule deer was found. John Silovsky, wildlife division director for TPWD, said, “It remains vital that we keep on task to protect our native deer, which are important for our outdoor heritage and the economy across our state.” CWD is fatal in cervids, which includes deer, elk and moose.