Mule deer, elk, white-tailed deer and moose populations are of great concern. What could this problem be? A condition called chronic wasting disease (CWD). First originating from a captive mule deer in Colorado, in the 1960s, and was not found in the wild until 1981. This disease does not only affect Colorado, many other states have started to submit possible cases. Some people may ask certain questions such as: How is this disease spread? What is the cause of this disease? What are the symptoms? How can we help stop this? What exactly is CWD? CWD is a life-threatening disease that affects the host's nervous system. “It is spread through saliva, urine, feces and blood” (Humane Society). Symptoms of CWD are “reduced eating and weight loss, possible blindness, excessive alcohol consumption, thin head tumors, loss of coordination, and increased salivation” (Humane Society). One of the biggest concerns is the transmission of CWD to humans. This is actually very possible, because when a hunter can kill one of the hosts, such as white-tailed deer, and that animal was infected but showed no signs until the hunter harvested it, and while he was cleaning the animal, he did not do so. notice it wasn't quite normal, but he just shook it off and continued. Then he ate the meat of the infected host. He could possibly catch this deadly disease. This has indeed been reported in some states, but “to date, no cases have been proven to be CWD” (CDC). As I asked in the last paragraph: “How can we help stop this disease?” Good for beginners in captive herds, feeding and watering stations are set up throughout the property. If CWD has hit your farm or property, do not leave these feeding stations operating, as CWD is spread through bodily fluids middle of paper...this is not a serious problem as it could eventually move. to other states and counties in Illinois, but for now, affected states should keep a watchful eye and not get lazy. As long as we can keep it in the affected states, then we have a better chance of being able to fight this horrible disease. There is a chance that we can reduce the number of possible cases and perhaps in the near future, perhaps eliminate it for good. Works cited “Chronic Wasting Disease”. The Humane Society of the United States. The Humane Society. Nd April 15, 2014. “Chronic wasting disease (CWD)” Center for Disease Control. Center for Disease Control. ND April 14, 2014. Shelton, Paul and Patrick McDonald “Chronic Wasting Disease in Illinois: Surveillance and Management Report 2012-2013.” Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Illinois Department of Natural Resources. April 14, 2014.