117th Congress H. Bill 5608
Protect Our Wildlife Through H.R.5608
Felippe Wancelotti
Chronic wasting disease is a contagious and fatal neurological illness occurring in deer, elk, and moose populations. It is spread directly through bodily fluids or indirectly through environmental contamination. The disease causes an infected animal to progressively lose bodily function and awareness, drool excessively, and to lose weight rapidly. This has led to the nickname the zombie deer disease. There is currently no cure or treatment for CWD, making it a clear and undeniable threat to animal and herd health. The Chronic Wasting Disease Research and Management Act (H.R.5608) directs the USDA to establish a program to research and manage the disease. Under the program, the USDA must offer to enter into agreements with state or tribal wildlife agencies and departments of agriculture, institutions of higher education, and research centers to support research on the transmission of, resistance to, and diagnosis of the disease. The USDA must also develop and maintain materials to inform the public on Chronic Wasting Disease and techniques to help prevent the spread of the disease. H.R.5608 has passed the House and awaits vote in the Senate. It is imperative that we support the preservation of our wildlife through any means possible.
