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About The Columbia press. (Astoria, Or.) 1949-current | View Entire Issue (Dec. 8, 2017)
4 December 8, 2017 T he C olumbia P ress Disease: Chronic wasting hitting too close to home Continued from Page 1 resents perhaps the greatest threat to our big game be- cause it has the potential to devastate our ungulate pop- ulations.” Ungulates are hoofed ani- mals. The hunters association has been seriously concerned about preventing the dis- ease’s spread to wild game herds, Dungannon said. The group advocates tight regulations on game ranch- ing and has funded disease research and prevention across the state. People hunting in states with CWD who harvest a deer, elk or moose may only bring back parts without spi- nal cord or brain tissue, such as antlers on a clean skullcap. CWD is caused by a protein prion that damages the brain of infected animals, causing progressive neurological dis- ease and loss of body condi- tion. It’s untreatable and al- ways fatal. It spreads through nose-to-nose contact be- tween infected animals and through the animal’s bodily fluids. The disease lasts a long time in the environment, infecting new animals for decades. It’s one of the most devas- tating wildlife diseases today, said ODFW State Wildlife Veterinarian Colin Gillin. “Once CWD enters a state and infects free-ranging deer and elk, it has been nearly impossible to eradicate with present day tools,” he said. “We want to do all we can to keep Oregon CWD-free.” ODFW has monitored the state’s wildlife for CWD for years and is increasing its United Way of Clatsop County sponsors Gifts That Make a Difference from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, in the McTavish Room at Liber- ty Theater, 1203 Commercial St., Astoria. The event gathers 30 non- profit groups, who will talk about their projects and of- surveillance this year by ask- ing hunters to have their deer or elk tested. ODFW also asks taxider- mists and game meat pro- cessors throughout the state to alert the agency or OSP if banned deer, elk or moose parts are brought to them from disease-positive states. Anyone who sees or har- vests a sick deer or elk should report it to the state Wildlife Health Lab at 866-968-2600. Cases of CWD have oc- curred in Saskatchewan and Alberta, Canada, and in Ar- kansas, Colorado, Illinois, Kansas, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mon- tana, Nebraska, New Mexi- co, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsyl- vania, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming. United Way’s Gifts That Make a Difference is Saturday fer volunteer opportunities to participants. Many organizations will have items for sale that sup- port their agencies’ missions along with end-of-the-year giving opportunities. There will be music and re- freshments provided by Asto- ria Women Executive Group and Thrivent Action Team. For more information, call Jennifer Holen at 503-325- 1961. Finns dish up lunch and more A Finnish Midwinter Holi- day Luncheon and Bake Sale is set for 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 14, at Suomi Hall, 244 W. Marine Drive, Astoria. The lunch includes lakslo- da, meatballs, rieska and des- sert. There will be Finnish baked goods for sale, a silent auction and music. Admission is $15 for adults and $10 for 12 and younger.