State Sen. Ward Urges Game Commission to Undertake Comprehensive Study of CWD

Senator Judy Ward (R-30) on June 3 urged the Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) to place a higher priority on studying Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in deer.

In a letter to Pennsylvania Game Commission Executive Director Bryan Burham, Ward noted that a recent audit by the Pa. Auditor General revealed PGC reserves totaling more than $73 million. Ward urged PGC to use some of this money to conduct an aerial study of the local deer population, as well as a comprehensive study of CWD to determine the causes, spread and treatment of the disease.

“I would ask your consideration of two issues,” Sen. Ward wrote in her letter. “An aerial study to determine a more accurate count of the number of deer in southern Blair County near the Bedford County border [and] additional dollars for the purpose of a study to more closely look at the problem of CWD – causes, spread, and treatment.”

A large number of CWD cases have been identified in Ward’s senate district, especially along the Blair County-Bedford County line and in Fulton County.

“My priority is to ensure a healthy deer population and to save our deer herd,” Ward said. “As the Game Commission begins to review its finances to deal with the findings of the Auditor General, I am hopeful that steps can be taken to ensure we deal with one of the most serious challenges facing our local deer population and our sportsmen.”

Congressman John Joyce is pushing for legislation at the federal level to secure funding to study CWD.