Update: New Mexico Game Officials Use New CWD Test On Deer
New Mexico wildlife managers are using a new testing method for chronic wasting disease (CWD) that allows them to gather tissue samples without killing the animals. The recent discovery at Colorado State University (CSU) that CWD prions can be detected in an animal’s lymph nodes led to the testing method change.
Wildlife officers performed tonsillectomies on three mule deer last week and all three survived the operation. Each procedure was performed at an outside operating station and took about 20 minutes.
The tranquilized deer were brought to a testing station where they were given an antibiotic. A vise held the deer’s mouth open while a veterinarian reached down its throat with a device and removed small pieces of tonsil. The deer were then given a blood test and fitted with radio collars and ear tags.
The samples were sent to CSU’s CWD diagnostic laboratory for testing. Officials say it will take several weeks before the results are returned. If any of the test results come back positive, the deer will be tracked and killed.
Story courtesy of The Associated Press.
New Mexico wildlife managers are using a new testing method for chronic wasting disease (CWD) that allows them to gather tissue samples without killing the animals. The recent discovery at Colorado State University (CSU) that CWD prions can be detected in an animal’s lymph nodes led to the testing method change.
Wildlife officers performed tonsillectomies on three mule deer last week and all three survived the operation. Each procedure was performed at an outside operating station and took about 20 minutes.
The tranquilized deer were brought to a testing station where they were given an antibiotic. A vise held the deer’s mouth open while a veterinarian reached down its throat with a device and removed small pieces of tonsil. The deer were then given a blood test and fitted with radio collars and ear tags.
The samples were sent to CSU’s CWD diagnostic laboratory for testing. Officials say it will take several weeks before the results are returned. If any of the test results come back positive, the deer will be tracked and killed.
Story courtesy of The Associated Press.
