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Indiana Deer Tests Positive for Chronic Wasting Disease

2/22/2025

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Summary

Story summary

A 2.5-year-old male deer in Posey County, Indiana, has tested positive for chronic wasting disease (CWD), the second case in the state. This deadly disease, affecting deer populations across 36 states, has prompted Indiana's Department of Natural Resources to ramp up surveillance efforts during the upcoming 2025-2026 hunting season to track its alarming spread.

History

Historical Context

Chronic wasting disease (CWD) first emerged in Colorado in 1967 and has since spread across North America, affecting deer populations. Similar to mad cow disease, CWD raises concerns about wildlife management and food safety. Historical responses to wildlife diseases, like the BSE crisis in the 1990s, highlight the need for vigilant monitoring and intervention to prevent widespread ecological and agricultural impacts.

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Story summary

A 2.5-year-old male deer in Posey County, Indiana, has tested positive for chronic wasting disease (CWD), the second case in the state. This deadly disease, affecting deer populations across 36 states, has prompted Indiana's Department of Natural Resources to ramp up surveillance efforts during the upcoming 2025-2026 hunting season to track its alarming spread.

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