Even though science has yet to discover exactly what causes chronic wasting disease or to fully understand how the disease is spread, they are learning that prions are difficult to destroy. Prions, which is a protein, is believed by some to cause chronic wasting disease as it effects the brain of animals such as deer. How this all occurs is not yet understood but a recent study in Wisconsin has shown that these prions will survive the standard sewage treatment we use in dealing with municipal sewage.
According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, if these prions, through infected animals, gets into our municipal sewage treatment plants, they won’t be destroyed and can be spread across agricultural lands in the sludge which is routinely spread in our farm fields. This can quickly further the spread of disease.
Hunters taking deer in areas known to have chronic wasting deer, should make sure they dispose of any remains properly. It is believed that incinerating is the best way and not thrown in landfills of disposed of in the woods.
Tom Remington
