CWD, or Chronic Wasting Disease, is a neurodegenerative illness that affects deer, elk, and moose.

It is caused by an abnormal protein called a prion that infects the brain and nervous system,

leading to the gradual deterioration of the animal's physical and neurological functions.

CWD is characterized by symptoms such as weight loss, stumbling, drooling, excessive thirst,

lack of coordination, and behavior changes. The disease is always fatal,

and infected animals typically die within months to a few years of showing symptoms.

CWD is primarily spread through direct contact between animals, such as saliva, urine, feces,

and bodily fluids, as well as through contaminated environments like soil or feed.

It can also be transmitted indirectly through prions left behind in the environment.

The US hunting industry is larger than the GDP of 121 countries, generating $45.2 billion in revenue. It also supports over half a million jobs and produces four times the revenue of the NFL.

The hunting industry is an integral part of our culture and heritage. For generations, our ancestors have hunted wild game, especially deer, to feed their families and expand the borders of the United States. If the consumption of deer meat were to become dangerous to humans, we would be disconnected from our heritage and the pioneers who settled what was once a great wilderness.

Another critical reason to combat Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is that, if left unchecked, it could spread to other animals, including livestock like sheep, cows, pigs, and chickens. This would devastate the US livestock industry and leave us dependent on foreign nations for food.

CWD also poses a significant environmental threat, with the potential to wipe out the entire US deer population.

Additionally, there is a risk that humans could contract the disease if they consume infected meat.

CWD has already been detected in 30 states and is likely spreading rapidly due to its highly infectious nature, making swift action essential.

While the incidence of CWD may not yet be widespread in some states, if we do not act quickly, it could become so prevalent that, in a few short years, it would be a toss-up whether a deer is infected or not.

IT IS TIME TO ACT!