The two white-tailed deer herds confirmed positive for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) last week in Oneida County were depopulated today. The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets (DAM) had ordered the depopulation and subsequent testing for CWD in an effort to control the possible spread of the disease in New York State.
The investigation as to the source of the disease is ongoing. DAM is releasing the names of the infected herds in hopes that anyone who has received or sent live animals, venison or associated materials to or from either of these facilities will contact DAM’s Division of Animal Industry at 518-457-3502.
The first confirmed case of CWD was found at a captive herd, owned by John Palmer in the Town of Westmoreland. The second confirmed case of CWD was found at a captive herd, owned by Martin Proper, also in Westmoreland.
The New York State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory at Cornell University will conduct the CWD tests on the depopulated deer from both herds. Test results are expected back within two weeks.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) plans to conduct intensive monitoring of the wild deer population surrounding both herds to determine if CWD has spread to wild deer. DEC will begin sampling the surrounding wild deer population next week to determine CWD status. Input and assistance from the public and local landowners will be essential in DEC’s sampling efforts.
DEC and DAM will hold a public meeting on Friday, April 8, 2005, at 7 p.m. at the Oneida County Cornell Cooperative Extension office, located at 121 Second Street in Oriskany to inform the public of efforts being made in Oneida County in response to CWD. Representatives from DEC and DAM will present information on the discovery of CWD, provide details on the State’s response, and be available to answer questions from those in attendance. Directions to the meeting are attached.
CWD is a transmissible disease that affects the brain and central nervous system of certain deer and elk. There is no evidence that CWD is linked to disease in humans or domestic livestock other than deer and elk.
More information on CWD can be found at the State Department of Agriculture and Markets’ website at www.agmkt.state.ny.us, at the State Department of Environmental Conservation’s website at www.dec.state.ny.us or the State Department of Health’s website at www.health.state.ny.us.
###
Directions to Oneida County Cornell Cooperative Extension
From the NYS Thruway:
Take Exit 32 (Westmoreland) and turn left onto Cider Street. Turn left onto Judd Road. Drive approximately two-thirds of a mile and take a left onto Second Street. The office is on the left, with a sign posted “Oneida County Farm and Home Center.”
From Rome:
Take Route 233 South to Sutliff Road. Drive past the Sheriff’s Department to a traffic light. Proceed through the intersection to second building on the right.
From Utica:
Take Oriskany Boulevard to Route 69. Drive through Whitesboro past Oriskany and turn left onto Airport Road. Drive 1 mile, and turn left at traffic light. Building is second on the right. 2005 Press Releases | 
