Originally Posted by txtrophy85
Originally Posted by Smokey Bear
Originally Posted by txtrophy85
The elk that were originally found to have CWD in the 60’s were held in a pen that was used previously as a holding pen for sheep. It’s thought those animals contracted it from the sheep ie: sheep scrapie.

The areas in Texas where it was first found were in isolated areas great distances from any high fence. Especially in the hueco mountains, which is very isolated.

Anecdotally, we have noticed a lot of areas where it has popped up (both high & low fence) were in areas that were traditionally sheep and goat country, as the Kerr WMA is.

I do not have an answer for how got up in Missouri, Michigan and other areas as I’m not familiar with those areas.

Subsequent studies have shown that raccoons, hogs, buzzards, etc. can also be carriers of CWD.



Good information. My opinion is until recently it was naturally occurring. Probably been around a long time. The isolated nature of places where it occurred is likely to have somewhat kept it bottled up.

Edit to clarify: that is only an opinion.



The isolated nature makes you wonder but how did it get in there/get out of there? The pandhandle was thought to have gotten it from elk roaming over from NM but the hueco mountains is a hard area to reach. Which would point to another carrier ( like a buzzard).

Anthrax is also “ naturally occurring “ but it was brought here via the infected bones from Africa that were ground for bone meal to be used in livestock supplements. It’s now in the soil.


panhandle is easy. If it wasnt already there just look a hot map. CO and KS migrations straight south. Okla panhandle just started testing two years ago or it would be solid red also

Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure, than to take rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much, b/c they know not victory nor defeat"- #26 TR