WILKES-BARRE — Sportsmen and landowners in Luzerne County are invited to attend an informational meeting Thursday in Hazleton regarding chronic wasting disease, according to state Rep. Jim Haddock.
The public meeting will take place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 27, at Penn State Hazleton, 76 University Drive, Graham Building Room 115 (Parking lot F).
Chronic wasting disease, according to according to the CDC, affects deer, elk, moose and similar animals. It has been reported in the United States and other countries.
“No CWD infections in people have ever been reported,” according to cdc.gov. “And it’s not known if people can even get infected with CWD. However, CWD is related to another prion disease in animals that does infect people. So, it is considered a theoretical risk to people.
“Some studies in monkeys suggest they can get CWD by eating meat or brain tissues of infected deer or elk. These studies raise concerns CWD may also pose a risk to people.”
Cases of CWD have been discovered in southern Luzerne County and, more recently, in Carbon County.
“As a member of the House Game and Fisheries Committee, I encourage hunters and landowners with questions about how upcoming regulations could affect them and how chronic wasting disease affects deer to make time to attend this important meeting,” said Haddock, D-Pittston Township.
The free event, hosted by the Pennsylvania Game Commission, will include an informational session on CWD and a question-and-answer period.
Contact the Game Commission’s CWD Hotline at 1-833-INFOCWD or email INFOCWD@pa.gov, or visit www.arcg.is/1G4TLr for information.