Emergency Rules Adopted for Movement of Breeder Deer

AUSTIN — In response to continued positive detections of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in deer breeding facilities, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) has adopted an emergency rule  implementing additional movement and testing restrictions for white-tailed deer in deer breeding facilities.

Since June, TPWD has received confirmation of CWD in deer breeding facilities in three counties- Brooks, Frio and Zavala. In 2023 alone, CWD has been detected in nine deer breeding facilities in seven counties.  A total of 14 counties have had positive detections since March 2021.

“Since 2021, we have seen an increase in CWD detections from breeder deer at an unprecedented rate,” said John Silovsky, Wildlife Division Director for TPWD. “It’s our hope that these emergency rules will strengthen our surveillance and reduce the number of CWD positive detections across the state.”

This emergency order amends Chapter 31 TAC §65.95, relating to Movement of Breeder Deer. The change requires all breeder deer to be ante-mortem (live-animal) tested for CWD (with a test result of “Not Detected”) before transferring to another deer breeding facility or release site. These changes will be in effect for 120 days but may be extended an additional 60 days.

Additionally, the department has determined that to expedite and facilitate epidemiological investigations, it is necessary to prohibit the removal of identification tags under any circumstance other than allowed by statute. The ability to quickly locate and test breeder deer transferred to a release facility is critical to determining the likelihood of disease transmission.

CWD is a fatal neurological disease found in certain cervids including deer, elk, moose and other members of the deer family. This slow, progressive disease may not produce visible signs in susceptible species for several years after infection. As the irreversible disease process continues, animals with CWD may show changes in behavior and appearance. Clinical signs may include progressive weight loss, stumbling or tremors with a lack of coordination, loss of appetite, teeth grinding, abnormal head posture and/or drooping ears, and excessive thirst, salivation or urination.

Visit TPWD’s recently updated CWD page to find a map of all CWD zones, check stations and positive case tracking. The site also provides answers to frequently asked questions, videos with information from wildlife veterinarians, best management practices for hunters and landowners and review the latest news.

Game Warden Field Notes

You Never Even Called Me by My Name

While patrolling Cedar Creek Lake, Anderson and Henderson County Game Wardens investigated a potential Boating While Intoxicated case. The violator gave consent for a blood sample resulting in an arrest. The wardens assisted with returning the boat to shore since the other occupant was not familiar with operating a boat. Once on shore, one warden walked into the boat ramp parking lot. A vehicle sped into the lot and parked in a handicapped space. The driver then yelled an obscene greeting at the warden, who thought maybe the driver failed to recognize his uniform in the dark. The warden turned on his flashlight to ensure the driver saw his badge. Sitting in the passenger seat, the driver’s son commented on his mother’s regretful choice of greeting. The warden conducted sobriety tests and determined the driver, now belligerent, was intoxicated. The local police department arrived and transported them to a hospital, where the driver consented to a blood specimen. The test determined that along with her intoxication, she was also suffering from low blood sugar. Her sugar level was treated, and she was placed in jail for a DWI.