U.S. Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, today announced $180,366 in federal funding for the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to protect New York’s wildlife and deer population from the serious threat of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). CWD is an infectious, degenerative disease of cervids in deer and moose that causes brain cells to die, ultimately leading to the death of the affected animal. This funding was allocated through the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and will be used to create a researched based digital media campaign to control and reduce the risks of this disease.
“New York’s diverse wildlife and amazing outdoor ecosystems are part of what make this state so beautiful,” said Senator Schumer. “We must do everything we can to foster healthy biodiversity and protect our deer and moose populations from Chronic Wasting Disease. I’m proud to secure funding that will continue to develop New York as a sanctuary for wildlife and educate people on the risks of CWD.”
“New York State is home to diverse wildlife and we must address the ever-evolving challenges impacting local plants and animals,” said Senator Gillibrand. “This critical funding will help protect our biodiversity and reduce the risk of Chronic Wasting Disease for deer and elk – especially the white-tailed deer population in New York State that are at serious risk of CWD. I will continue fighting to protect the health and safety of our wildlife population across the state.”