Plan approved to guide state efforts to control CWD over next 15 years

WISCONSIN RAPIDS – A plan that will guide the state’s efforts to manage chronic wasting disease over the next 15 years was approved unanimously by the State Natural Resources Board at its September meeting.

“This new plan provides more specific actions and focuses on responding to disease outbreaks on the periphery of the known CWD area, said Davin Lopez, CWD project leader for the Department of Natural Resources.

The plan proposes a number of actions including:

• Stable hunting season structure if deer numbers are moving toward the established population goal at a sufficient rate.

• A renewed commitment and investment in outreach and education using a professional communications firm.

• Landowner permit system.

• Focused sharpshooting along the periphery of the disease.

• Continued surveillance and testing statewide and in the CWD-Management Zone.

• Continued support of food pantries for donating venison and pursuit of a statewide ban on baiting and feeding of deer.

Besides input from the Natural Resources Board and an independent review panel, the 15-year CWD Response Plan is founded on experience and additional knowledge gained over the past eight years and reflects input from a diverse number of sources, including a citizen Stakeholder Advisory Group, the Conservation Congress and other states.

“Despite the strength of the plan, it will only be successful if it has the support and associated active participation of our partners and the public. Successfully controlling and managing CWD in Wisconsin will require a sustained effort over many years, likely far beyond this 15-year plan. It is very challenging for everyone involved, but the alternative of letting the disease spread uncontrolled is much worse,” said Lopez.

The CWD Response Plan is available on the chronic wasting disease management pages of the DNR website.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: contact Davin Lopez at 608-267-2948 or Greg Matthews at 608-275-3317.

Source: Wisconsin DNR
Site:http://dnr.wi.gov/news/DNRNews_Lookup.asp?id=243#art1