[ODFW-News] Biologists are monitoring deer and elk for CWD in southwestern Oregon

[ODFW News]

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife 	
Contact: 	Information and Education 503-947-6002
Internet: www.dfw.state.or.us  
	
For Immediate Release	Monday, Oct. 11, 2004

Biologists are monitoring deer and elk for CWD in southwestern Oregon

ROSEBURG - Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife biologists are
canvassing popular hunting areas in southwest Oregon to talk to hunters
about Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) and collect small samples of brain
tissue from harvested deer and elk.

The agency is sampling as many  deer and elk heads as possible
statewide to test for CWD, a fatal neurological disease in deer and elk.
CWD is not currently found in Oregon, but now affects deer and elk in 12
states and two Canadian provinces.

Hunters in southern Oregon are asked to drop their deer and elk heads
off at the nearest ODFW office for CWD sampling. Deer and elk heads must
be dropped off within 48 hours of death and preferably within 24 hours.
Biologists will collect a small sample of brain tissue from the back of
the animal's head and a front tooth. Taxidermy mounts will not be
affected. Fawn and calf heads will not be tested.

Deer and elk heads can be placed in specially marked collection barrels
outside ODFW offices in Roseburg, Gold Beach, Charleston and Central
Point. Hunters can place the animal heads inside collection bags with an
attached tag to record the date and time of harvest, harvest location,
and the hunter's name, address and telephone number.

Collection barrel locations are:
Roseburg - 4192, N. Umpqua Hwy
Gold Beach - 742 Airport Way
Charleston - 4475 Boat Basin Drive
Central Point - 1495 E. Gregory Rd
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