CHRONIC WASTING DISEASE 21
Chronic Wasting Disease
WHAT IS CWD ?
• CWD is a fatal brain disease of whitetailed deer , mule deer , caribou , moose , and elk . It is similar to mad cow disease which occurs in cattle .
• CWD has been found in free-ranging deer populations in 34 U . S . states and 5 Canadian provinces , including states as close as Pennsylvania and New York .
• CWD has not yet been recorded as being transmissible to people . However , a similar disease does exist in humans .
• CWD can persist in the environment outside of a host for many years .
• CWD has a 100 % mortality rate in deer .
CWD Monitoring and Prevention in Maine
• Maine has actively monitored for CWD each year since 1999 , and since that time screened approximately 13,800 wild deer . Thus far , Maine proudly remains CWD free .
• It is illegal for individuals to bring into Maine cervid carcasses or parts , except that the following carcass parts may be imported and possessed : boned-out meat , hardened antlers , skull caps that have been cleaned free of brain and other tissues , capes and hides with no skull attached , teeth , and finished taxidermy mounts .
REGULATIONS ON FEEDING DEER
Feeding deer is prohibited from June 1 to December 15 . The Commissioner can stop anyone from feeding deer at any time if there is a public safety hazard or if it is harmful to the deer population . The Commissioner may prohibit or limit the feeding of deer , bear , moose and wild turkey if there is documented evidence of chronic wasting disease ( CWD ) in the State or within 50 miles of the border of the State or if there is a reason to believe that the type or location of feed may create a public safety hazard or may have a detrimental effect on deer , bear , moose and wild turkey .
• MDIFW prohibits the transportation of unprocessed deer carcasses , and / or parts , into Maine from states that are not directly adjacent to our state . This includes carcasses that are being transported through Maine .
Note : Cervid carcasses or parts from New Hampshire are exempt from the transportation exemption .
• MDIFW will not transplant deer from other states into Maine .
MDIFW Recommends that Individuals :
• Contact their regional wildlife biologist or warden if a deer shows poor body condition in addition to signs of disease such as loss of fear of humans , excessive drooling or urination , drooping head , or other neurological problems .
MDIFW CHECK STATIONS
Our wildlife biologists annually collect information that allows MDIFW to assess the condition and productivity of Maine ’ s deer population . Much of the information we collect comes from hunter-harvested deer . As such , the information you provide us with is used directly for deer management purposes , in Maine . A summary of the information we collect from you can be found within our Annual Research and Management Reports at mefishwildlife . com / wildlifereport .
• Take precautionary steps such as using latex gloves while processing a harvested deer , and sterilizing their equipment following processing by soaking in a 50 / 50 solution of water and bleach . These steps will help to reduce potential transmission of the disease to humans . Again , thus far CWD has not been identified in a person .
• Avoid consumption of the brain and spinal tissues .
• Use synthetic deer lures instead of urinebased lures , as CWD is spread via bodily fluids . Some companies are beginning to label products as tested or certified CWD free , but it is unclear what industry controls are in place to ensure these labels are warranted . If you choose to utilize a urine-based lure , place it in a location where deer will not be able to directly contact it . ■
WASTE OF GAME
A person may not waste a wild bird or wild animal that has been wounded or killed while hunting . For purposes of this section “ waste ” means to intentionally leave a wounded or killed animal in the field or forest without making a reasonable effort to retrieve and render it for consumption or use . This law does not apply to coyotes .
QUESTIONS ? CALL 207 287-8000 2024-25 STATE OF MAINE SUMMARY OF LAWS & RULES HUNTING