McCallum Blasts USDA Over CWD Testing
Private Test Would Cost $65, Be 95 Percent Accurate
Posted: 11:23 am CDT August 29, 2002Updated: 12:43 pm CDT August 29, 2002
MADISON, Wis. -- Gov. Scott McCallum is blasting the USDA, hoping to open the door to private testing for chronic wasting disease.
Right now the USDA's official position is that only public labs should test for CWD, but McCallum said that without private labs, and their so-called "on-demand testing," Wisconsin may lose its battle against CWD.If the USDA meets the governor's latest demands, it could have a big impact on a big unknown: How many deer hunters won't hunt, if they can't get their own deer tested?"He's sort of been left out in limboland with, 'What can I do? How can I have some assurance that my deer that I shoot does or does not have CWD?'" said William "Butch" Johnson, of Wildlife Services LLC, which has a private CWD test. "Now we're going to provide that service."Johnson and Brent Van Vondron said they've lined up a reliable CWD test, the Wisconsin Viral Research Lab, to sell in Wisconsin stores. The test will cost about $65 and is said to be 95 percent accurate.How Does It Work?A hunter gets a simple Styrofoam cooler and freezer bag, along with instructions.He cuts off a piece of throat, packs it in a Ziploc bag, and ships it off.The lymph node inside gets tested -- and one to five weeks later, the hunter gets a response."We want everybody to win on this, and we want to be part of the solution to solving this problem," Johnson said.McCallum thinks the test is a great idea."I demand the USDA move on the testing issue -- now," his letter reads. "By certifying private labs like the Marshfield Clinic and a rapid test this fall, your agency can restore our trust and give hunters the peace of mind we deserve."The state DNR already plans the world's most extensive CWD testing program this fall, but welcomes private testing, too."I think it's continued good news for the hunter in the state of Wisconsin -- that people are continuing to look for additional testing," said Tom Hauge, wildlife director for the DNR.McCallum wants state agencies to work closely with private labs on CWD testing and plans to appoint a state CWD testing coordinator.The gun season alone kills as many as 500,000 deer. Right now, the state along with the Johnson venture might test about 100,000 of them.
Right now the USDA's official position is that only public labs should test for CWD, but McCallum said that without private labs, and their so-called "on-demand testing," Wisconsin may lose its battle against CWD.If the USDA meets the governor's latest demands, it could have a big impact on a big unknown: How many deer hunters won't hunt, if they can't get their own deer tested?"He's sort of been left out in limboland with, 'What can I do? How can I have some assurance that my deer that I shoot does or does not have CWD?'" said William "Butch" Johnson, of Wildlife Services LLC, which has a private CWD test. "Now we're going to provide that service."Johnson and Brent Van Vondron said they've lined up a reliable CWD test, the Wisconsin Viral Research Lab, to sell in Wisconsin stores. The test will cost about $65 and is said to be 95 percent accurate.How Does It Work?A hunter gets a simple Styrofoam cooler and freezer bag, along with instructions.He cuts off a piece of throat, packs it in a Ziploc bag, and ships it off.The lymph node inside gets tested -- and one to five weeks later, the hunter gets a response."We want everybody to win on this, and we want to be part of the solution to solving this problem," Johnson said.McCallum thinks the test is a great idea."I demand the USDA move on the testing issue -- now," his letter reads. "By certifying private labs like the Marshfield Clinic and a rapid test this fall, your agency can restore our trust and give hunters the peace of mind we deserve."The state DNR already plans the world's most extensive CWD testing program this fall, but welcomes private testing, too."I think it's continued good news for the hunter in the state of Wisconsin -- that people are continuing to look for additional testing," said Tom Hauge, wildlife director for the DNR.McCallum wants state agencies to work closely with private labs on CWD testing and plans to appoint a state CWD testing coordinator.The gun season alone kills as many as 500,000 deer. Right now, the state along with the Johnson venture might test about 100,000 of them. Previous Stories:
- August 13, 2002: CWD Hunt May Resort To 'Earn-A-Buck' System
- August 5, 2002: Farmers Call DNR's CWD Plans 'Twisted Half-Truths'
- June 24, 2002: Board To Debate Chronic Wasting Disease Hunt
- May 29, 2002: Landowners Angry, Confused About CWD Hunt
- May 22, 2002: More Deer Test Positive For Deadly Disease
- May 20, 2002: USDA Works With Wisconsin To Fight CWD
- May 16, 2002: State Lawmakers Approve CWD Bill
- May 2, 2002: DNR Plans To Kill Another 20,000 Deer To Fight CWD
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