CURRENT SURVEILLANCE AND DIAGNOSTIC INITIATIVES
Asian Longhorned Tick
An invasive species, Asian longhorned ticks were first reported in the United States in 2017. As these ticks have been detected in Kentucky, the Wildlife Health Program monitors for potential diseases that these ticks could carry that could have the potential to harm people, wildlife, pets, and livestock.
Chronic Wasting Disease
Since 2002, Kentucky Fish and Wildlife has tested more than 39,000 deer and elk for
chronic wasting disease (CWD), a fatal neurological disease that affects deer, elk, and other species in the deer family.
Hemorrhagic Disease - Epizootic Hemorrahagic Disease Virus (EHDV) and bluetongue virus (BTV)
Hemorrahagic disease (often called "bluetongue virus") is one of the most important diseases affecting white-tailed deer populations in Kentucky and throughout the Southeast. Collaborating with partners, the Wildlife Health Program monitors for outbreaks of the disease across the state and region.
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza
In collaboration with regional staff and partners, the Wildlife Health Program monitors and investigates reports of
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in wild birds and mammals.
Lymphoproliferative Disease
Lymphoproliferative Disease (LPDV) is a retrovirus that causes tumors in turkeys. The Wildlife Health Program, in partnership with the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife's Turkey Program, are monitoring and conducting research on turkeys showing signs of LPDV in order to understand the effects of this disease on Kentucky's wild turkey populations.
Meningeal Worm in Elk
While white-tailed deer are natural hosts for the
meningeal worm without any sign of disease, elk infected with the worm may develop fatal neurologic issues if infected with the parasite. The Wildlife Health Program conducts surveillance for signs of meningeal worm infections within Kentucky's elk herd.
Rabies
A virus that affects the central nervous system of mammals,
rabies is 100% fatal to animals and people if left untreated. According to the CDC, wild animals account for more than 90% of reported cases of rabies. The Wildlife Health Program monitors for cases of rabies in wildlife and collaborates with state public health officials to prevent any spread of the disease in Kentucky.
