In 2015, a case of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) was reported in Texas, which continues to impact the state’s deer hunting community. This neurological disease, first discovered in West Texas in 2012, was reported in a captive white-tailed deer in 2015. The hunting industry in Texas is significant, but CWD cases have raised concerns among hunters and breeders.
In response to the issue, officials held a meeting in Austin to discuss CWD. Dr. John Tomecek, a Wildlife Extension Specialist at San Angelo, advised hunters to educate themselves about CWD and to be vigilant. He suggested that hunters should not shoot or eat any deer that appears sickly, as there is a potential for the disease to spread through carcasses. Tomecek also recommended that hunters dispose of any part of the deer’s nervous system when processing the meat to prevent other deer from coming into contact with it.
Recently, in March 2023, a CWD case was reported in a Trinity County deer breeding facility. Despite the concerns, Tomecek emphasized that there is no evidence that CWD can be transmitted to humans or livestock.
In a separate note, Loggins Restaurant in Tyler is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year. The restaurant has been a staple in the community for decades.
