Infected Elk May Pose Serious Health Risk to Humans

[ELKBURGER]

I've contacted Sen. Don Benton about this and let him know that Dr. Mora's offer was refused by the DFW and what leptosporosis is all about. I sent the link to this article and links to CDC articles about the disease. If this turns out to be the problem and the DFW doesn't investigate it, their negligence will cause people to be infected, especially after telling people the meat is OK to eat.

I would encourage everyone to get on the phone to their state senators.

In Jon Goschs' article, I thought he said Dr. Mora had finally been contacted by WDFW?

[pianoman9701]

I've contacted Sen. Don Benton about this and let him know that Dr. Mora's offer was refused by the DFW and what leptosporosis is all about. I sent the link to this article and links to CDC articles about the disease. If this turns out to be the problem and the DFW doesn't investigate it, their negligence will cause people to be infected, especially after telling people the meat is OK to eat.

I would encourage everyone to get on the phone to their state senators.

In Jon Goschs' article, I thought he said Dr. Mora had finally been contacted by WDFW?

We'll see what "contact" means. It's now almost three month later and the DFW is still telling us that affected elk are safe to eat. I wrote an email to Nate Pamplin and Sandra Jonker yesterday inquiring as to whether they've taken the Dr. up on his offer and if not, why. I haven't received a response yet. The heat should be turned way up on the DFW. As I told Sen. Benton's office, if this is indeed Leptosporosis, telling hunters that the meat is safe to eat and in addition, not warning them to take care with hand washing and to isolate open wounds on their bodies during the processing of any elk in that area could lead to major public health problems due to the spread of that disease. After reading about the disease and hearing the comments of Dr. Mora, I amazed that he wasn't hired on the spot on February 12th.

[buckfvr]

If they knew they'd be held accountable for their actions, things would be different.  That includes  everything they do..........civil, criminal, you name it..........when you cant even get state level dfw managers in trouble for their actions, its no wonder there's no consequences at the federal level. 

[pianoman9701]

If they knew they'd be held accountable for their actions, things would be different.  That includes  everything they do..........civil, criminal, you name it..........when you cant even get state level dfw managers in trouble for their actions, its no wonder there's no consequences at the federal level.

I talked with Sen. Benton's office about just that point. I made the comment that this eminent, former CDC scientist says he knows what's causing it (not he "thinks" he knows), and how to cure it. If they've ignored his warning and this turns out to be the disease that's responsible, and it results in even one human illness, I believe they'll be criminally negligent.

[DIYARCHERYJUNKIE]

If they knew they'd be held accountable for their actions, things would be different.  That includes  everything they do..........civil, criminal, you name it..........when you cant even get state level dfw managers in trouble for their actions, its no wonder there's no consequences at the federal level.

I talked with Sen. Benton's office about just that point. I made the comment that this eminent, former CDC scientist says he knows what's causing it (not he "thinks" he knows), and how to cure it. If they've ignored his warning and this turns out to be the disease that's responsible, and it results in even one human illness, I believe they'll be criminally negligent.

 

[headshot5]

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8627923

Looks like they have known about similar since 1996.

[ELKBURGER]

If they knew they'd be held accountable for their actions, things would be different.  That includes  everything they do..........civil, criminal, you name it..........when you cant even get state level dfw managers in trouble for their actions, its no wonder there's no consequences at the federal level.

I talked with Sen. Benton's office about just that point. I made the comment that this eminent, former CDC scientist says he knows what's causing it (not he "thinks" he knows), and how to cure it. If they've ignored his warning and this turns out to be the disease that's responsible, and it results in even one human illness, I believe they'll be criminally negligent.

Thanks Pman for putting the pressure where it belongs. You are speaking for most of us. I am so glad that this forum has driven and educated folks on here. BBarnes, Jongosch, UCwarden, and yourself to name a few. I apologize to the many others I have not named, but thank you ALL for your passion and involvement! These issues will not be addressed by themselves. It is from folks who go the extra mile to research and expose the wrongdoings to the right people....that takes guts and persistance. Thanks again to all of you!

[Curly]

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8627923

Looks like they have known about similar since 1996.

That link showed 5 of 6 elk sampled in 1993 had it and 9 of 11 in 1994.

[headshot5]

That link showed 5 of 6 elk sampled in 1993 had it and 9 of 11 in 1994.

Believe it or not I picked up on that.  The Journal of Wildlife Dieseases published this in 1996...,  Generally study results are known after they are published.   So, the information has been out since '96.

The most interesting part, was it was dismissed because

Local productivity of elk was high, however, and the surrounding topography was not conducive for transmission to other elk populations.

[Curly]

Well, some knew about it in 1993 and even more knew it after they read the report in 1996.  Never the less, the point is that wdfw has known about it for around 20 years while getting practically zero accomplished.  It just shows how incredibly inept they are. 

[Curly]

Dr. Mora's theory really does make sense especially when you note when leptospirosis was found in SW WA elk and when herbicide spraying became more common.........and when hoof problems started to show up.  That all started in the early 90's I believe.

[bbarnes]

I  would encourage any one with concerns,to contact Kara with your concerns,she needs to hear from all off us.
Kara Whittaker, PhD
Senior Scientist & Policy Analyst
Washington Forest Law Center
615 Second Ave., Suite 360
Seattle, WA 98104-2245
phone: (206) 223-4088 x5
fax: (206) 223-4280
kwhittaker@wflc.org
www.wflc.org
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