02-21-2007, 07:10 PM
Pennsylvania Game Commission officials are in the midst of a full-blown emergency situation involving suspected cases of chronic wasting disease (CWD) in seven areas of the state! Of course, it isn't real; it is a series of simulation exercises to test the Game Commission's emergency preparedness to review the effectiveness of the agency's CWD response plan.
On Nov. 11, Game Commission Executive Director Carl G. Roe announced that the agency would conduct a CWD-response drill in the first quarter of 2007. The decision to hold the drill was a product of two meetings to review and update the state's response plan, as well as the agency's internal operational plan.
"Currently, there are no confirmed or suspected cases of CWD-infected deer or elk in Pennsylvania, and this is one more thing we are doing to ensure that it stays that way," Roe said. "However, with CWD being uncovered in two neighboring states - New York and West Virginia - we must continue to plan and act as if it is a matter of not 'if CWD is found,' but rather 'when CWD is found' in Pennsylvania.
"We will remain vigilant in our efforts to search statewide for signs and evidence of CWD, and continue to prepare the state's coordinated response for discovery of the disease. As the state's wildlife management agency, we have a statutory responsibility to protect the Commonwealth's deer, elk and other wildlife. It is a responsibility the Game Commission has shouldered for more than 100 years."
On Monday evening, Feb. 19, Dr. Walter Cottrell, Game Commission wildlife veterinarian, and Calvin W. DuBrock, Game Commission Bureau of Wildlife Management director, called agency staff on the CWD response team to start the drill.
For more information, please visit the Pennsylvania Game Commission - State Wildlife Management Agency website: http://www.pgc.state.pa.us/pgc/cwp/view....p;Q=171209
On Nov. 11, Game Commission Executive Director Carl G. Roe announced that the agency would conduct a CWD-response drill in the first quarter of 2007. The decision to hold the drill was a product of two meetings to review and update the state's response plan, as well as the agency's internal operational plan.
"Currently, there are no confirmed or suspected cases of CWD-infected deer or elk in Pennsylvania, and this is one more thing we are doing to ensure that it stays that way," Roe said. "However, with CWD being uncovered in two neighboring states - New York and West Virginia - we must continue to plan and act as if it is a matter of not 'if CWD is found,' but rather 'when CWD is found' in Pennsylvania.
"We will remain vigilant in our efforts to search statewide for signs and evidence of CWD, and continue to prepare the state's coordinated response for discovery of the disease. As the state's wildlife management agency, we have a statutory responsibility to protect the Commonwealth's deer, elk and other wildlife. It is a responsibility the Game Commission has shouldered for more than 100 years."
On Monday evening, Feb. 19, Dr. Walter Cottrell, Game Commission wildlife veterinarian, and Calvin W. DuBrock, Game Commission Bureau of Wildlife Management director, called agency staff on the CWD response team to start the drill.
For more information, please visit the Pennsylvania Game Commission - State Wildlife Management Agency website: http://www.pgc.state.pa.us/pgc/cwp/view....p;Q=171209