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Posted on Dec 28, 2015 in Audio, Editorial, Featured, Your Texas Agriculture Minute

YOUR TEXAS AGRICULTURE MINUTE

YOUR TEXAS AGRICULTURE MINUTE

 

Live animal tests for CWD 

By Gary Joiner

The general hunting season for white-tailed deer in Texas is winding down.

The season has been dominated by information and debate on chronic wasting disease (CWD).

What is it? Why should we be concerned? And how can we test for it?

The last question is interesting. USDA-APHIS currently only recognizes post-mortem tests for the disease. The deer has to be dead for the test results to count.

There might be a better way. There’s a strong push in Texas to develop live animal tests for CWD. Studies are underway. Texas animal health officials say they would readily endorse the practice if there is science behind it.

State wildlife officials echo the sentiment. They hope Texas is the leader in the nation in using live animal testing in the future.

Let’s hope so.

Texas is a respected leader in wildlife research and management. It can also be a leader in wildlife disease response with the development of live animal tests for CWD.

The preceding commentary is brought to you by Texas Farm Bureau, the “Voice of Texas Agriculture.” Called “Your Texas Agriculture Minute,” TFB will issue thought-provoking editorials each week—via print and audio—to spark understanding of agriculture in the Lone Star State and its impact on each and every Texan.

You may read this week’s editorial above or listen to the audio version.

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