NDOW presents the Nevada Wild Podcast · Nevada Department of Wildlife

Help Keep Nevada Chronic Wasting Disease Free

·27 min·2 clips

Nate LaHue explains why chronic wasting disease is a fatal threat to Nevada's deer and elk every year.

This episode of Nevada Wild focuses on chronic wasting disease (CWD) and Nevada's efforts to prevent its spread. Hosts Ashley Sanchez and Aaron Keller are joined by wildlife veterinarian Nate LaHue from the Nevada Department of Wildlife. LaHue returns annually to discuss this critical wildlife health issue. Chronic wasting disease is a prion disease related to conditions like mad cow disease. It is caused by a misfolded protein that transmits between animals, leading to a fatal neurological condition. The disease affects all North American cervid species, which include deer, elk, moose, and caribou. Nevada's cervid populations are currently free of CWD, and the department conducts annual surveillance to maintain this status. Surveillance involves testing hunter-harvested animals and any cervids found dead. The hosts emphasize the importance of not transporting certain carcass parts from other states into Nevada. Specific high-risk parts that can harbor prions include the brain, spinal cord, eyes, spleen, and lymph nodes. A surprising aspect is that prions can persist in the environment for years, contaminating soil and plants. The disease has no cure or vaccine, making prevention through management the only viable strategy. LaHue explains that while CWD is not known to infect humans, health agencies advise against consuming meat from CWD-positive animals. The discussion notes the disease's presence in neighboring states like Utah, Idaho, and Arizona, increasing Nevada's risk. A memorable point is that proper carcass disposal, such as deep burial in a landfill, is crucial to limit environmental contamination. The episode clarifies that processed meat, deboned meat, and cleaned skull caps are generally safe to transport. The tone is educational and conversational, with the hosts seeking clarification from the expert guest. The style is proactive, focusing on preventative public messaging and clear guidelines. This episode is ideal for Nevada hunters, wildlife enthusiasts, and anyone interested in wildlife disease management. Listeners seeking a broad overview of prion diseases beyond cervids might find the scope too specific.

Listen to the show on

Apple Podcasts Spotify

Play clips from this episode More from NDOW presents the Nevada Wild Podcast