Hunters and farmers worry about spread of CWD

VBS Assistant Professor Peter Larsen sits down with Sharon Yoo, KARE 11 reporter, to discuss Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in venison and hunting. There is a CWD positive area in Northern Minnesota, that is causing growing concern amongst farmers and hunters. Primarily because the meat is not safe to eat and any CWD positive cervid, alive or dead, can spread the disease. As well, CWD prions can linger in ground and soil for up to 20 years. Larsen explains, "It should be a top priority for the state, because it has a negative impact on so many economic sectors," such as agriculture, farming, and hunting. Larsen and many others hope the state will invest in additional CWD research. Please visit the KARE 11 website for the full story.

Additionally, the Minnesota Center for Prion Research and Outreach (MNPRO) team visited Bemidji, September 28-29 to participate in two town hall events to discuss CWD. They presented and answered questions from the public along side the Department of Natural Resources. They also conducted fieldwork, and formally launched a multi year ecological study.