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Ep. 766: The Truth About Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD)

Published: 2025-09-22 09:00:00
Description Show ▼

Steven Rinella talks with Mark Ruder, Michael Chamberlain, and Ryan Callaghan

Topics discussed: The premier of MeatEater Sheds; back to the 101 of what CWD is and the myths surrounding it; it’s just not a hoax; the slow, cryptic nature of the disease; are we still going to be able to grow old, big deer?; how there's no test for live deer; filling up space in the brain stem; high prevalence rates; how the skeptical public wants an answer; and more. 

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Referenced Books

Field Manual of Wildlife Diseases in the Southeastern United States
by Nicole M. Nemeth, Michael J. Yabsley (eds)
At the end of the conversation, Steve is looking at this professional field guide. Mark Ruter explains it's intended for field biologists and agency personnel in the Southeast, though any hunter would enjoy it. The book contains information about wildlife diseases with detailed photographs.
Referenced at 02:27:17