The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) and Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) have confirmed a case of chronic wasting disease (CWD) in a deer breeding facility in Cherokee County, Texas. The four-year-old buck tested positive during routine surveillance testing. CWD is a fatal neurological disease found in deer and other members of the deer family, and early detection is crucial in preventing further spread. The disease was first discovered in Texas in 2012 and has since been detected in both captive and free-ranging animals. Those interested in having their harvest tested for CWD can contact a local biologist.
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has confirmed cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in domesticated swans in Nueces County. The disease is easily spread between wild and domestic birds, and with the fall migration of waterbirds and fowl underway, it is not surprising that the illness is circulating in Texas. While the risk of transmission to humans is low, caution is advised when handling animals showing signs of the condition. Precautions for game hunters include proper disposal of carcasses, wearing gloves when processing, avoiding consumption or processing of sick birds, cleaning and disinfecting tools between carcasses, and cooking meat to proper temperatures.
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is facing criticism from deer breeders over their plan to control Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) by ordering the depopulation of deer breeding facilities. Breeders argue that they are being unfairly targeted and that selective breeding could be a more effective solution. Renowned deer expert Dr. James Kroll questions the necessity of depopulation, stating that CWD does not devastate deer herds nor pose a risk to humans. A temporary restraining order has been granted to two deer breeders who are suing TPWD to prevent the killing of their deer stock.
A McLennan County judge has issued a temporary restraining order blocking the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) from enforcing orders that would require two local deer breeders to kill 29 deer due to potential exposure to Chronic Wasting Disease. The breeders are seeking a permanent injunction to prevent the state from forcing them to kill their deer stock. The TPWD had ordered the breeders to kill the animals, but the breeders requested a testing plan instead. The lawsuit alleges that the kill order would cause irreparable damage to the breeders' operations and result in significant financial loss. The hearing for a temporary injunction is set for September 18.
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has voted unanimously to use eminent domain to seize a 5,000-acre property south of Dallas that includes Fairfield Lake State Park, citing the need to preserve a state park enjoyed by thousands of Texans. The state opted to seize the land from Todd Interests, a Dallas-based developer, who purchased the property in February for $110.5 million. The state will notify Todd of the condemnation decision and make an offer for the property. The state and the developer will negotiate over how much Texas will pay for the almost 5,000 acres.
A mysterious animal swimming in Lady Bird Lake has been identified by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department as a nutria, a rodent common in Central Texas that eats aquatic vegetation and burrows, which can lead to erosion and damage roads.
A case of chronic wasting disease (CWD) was confirmed at a deer-breeding facility in Washington County, Texas. The Texas Parks & Wildlife Department and Texas Animal Health Commission officials have taken action to secure all deer at the facility and prevent the disease from spreading further. CWD is a degenerative disease that can severely inhibit a deer’s neurological function and is ultimately fatal. There is no evidence that the disease can infect humans, but precautions should be taken when consuming deer meat. Public meetings will be held to remind hunters of the situation and the precautions they need to take.
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) has been found in a striped skunk in Texas, marking the first time the virus has been detected in the state. HPAI is highly contagious and easily transmittable among wild and domestic birds, as well as certain mammal species. Symptoms include lack of fear of people, sudden death, and other neurological issues. While the risk of transmission to humans is low, basic protective measures should be taken when handling wild animals. Wildlife rehabilitators should also be cautious when intaking animals with clinical signs consistent with HPAI.
