Chronic wasting disease killing deer across the U.S. and Canada

Louisiana Congressman Ralph Abraham, M.D., R-Alto, wants to stop a disease impacting deer, moose, and elk populations. 

Congressman Ralph Abraham. was a veterinarian before being elected to represent the 5th District of Louisiana, so he understands the devastating effects chronic wasting disease (CWD) has had on deer herds in 25 U.S. states and Canada since it was first documented in a captive Colorado mule deer herd in 1967. CWD is 100 percent fatal. There is no cure, nor is there a reliable “live animal test” to detect the disease.

It is unknown whether the disease can be spread to non-cervid wildlife, livestock, or humans. “The passing of Bill HR 6272 will hopefully lead to the establishment of a credible and scientifically based foundation of understanding of the disease,” adds Abraham. “This process, grounded in science, will hopefully end its spread.”

“CWD could obviously have a widespread and devastating impact on Louisiana deer and possibly other mammal populations and the best hope we have for controlling it is first to understand it,” adds Abraham. “Little information exists on CWD, but my bill would bring together some of the brightest scientists in the country to learn more about this complex disease.”

The bill has four original sponsors: U.S. Reps. Glen Thompson, R-Pa.; Ryan Costello, R-Pa.; Tom Marino, R-Pa.; and Paul Gosar, R-Ariz., and has been referred to the House Agriculture Committee, of which Abraham is a member.

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