A captive white-tailed deer in a Lavaca County deer breeding facility has tested positive for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD).

The deer has reportedly been linked to the index herd in Medina County where CWD was first detected on June 30.

The newly-quarantined facility is a result of testing trace-out animals that originated at the Medina County facility, according to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) and the Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC).

“The investigation of the index facility in Medina County continues,” said Dr. Dee Ellis, TAHC executive director. “The TAHC, TPWD and USDA are diligently working with the breeder deer industry to assess disease transmission risks, and to protect Texas’ free-ranging deer, captive deer and hunting industries.”

The Lavaca County herd is the second infected breeder herd detected in Texas, per TPWD.

“TPWD will continue to work with TAHC, USDA and stakeholders representing wildlife conservation and deer breeding interests to implement measures appropriate to protect our state’s most popular big game animal, the white-tailed deer,” said Carter Smith, TPWD executive director.

CWD was first detected in Texas in 2012 in free-ranging mule deer in the Hueco Mountains in Far West Texas.

TPWD experts say the disease should not affect fall hunting.

CWD is a 100 percent fatal neurological disease that affects deer, elk, moose and other members of the cervid family.

An animal may carry the disease for years without outward indication, according to TPWD. In the latter stages of the disease, symptoms may include: listlessness, lowering of the head, weight loss, repetitive walking in set patterns and a lack of responsiveness.

Although it is similar to Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE), there is no evidence the disease can be transmitted to humans.
To date, there is no evidence that CWD poses a risk to humans or non-cervids.

However, as a precaution, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization recommend not to consume meat from infected animals.

Updates on the CWD situation in Texas, as it evolves are posted on www.tpwd.texas.gov/CWD and http://tahc.state.tx.us/animal_health/cwd/cwd.html.