Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), also known as Cervid Wasting Disease, is a highly infectious, fatal disease which has devastated some populations of wild and farmed deer in North America.
CWD has very recently been diagnosed in four separate cases in Scandinavia, in a wild reindeer and also in moose. The risk of CWD entering the UK is therefore likely to have increased now the disease is present in Europe.
CWD is caused by a prion, a mutant folded protein, and belongs to the same group of diseases as scrapie, which affects sheep and goats, and “mad cow disease” (bovine spongiform encephalopathy or “BSE”). This group of diseases are known collectively as “transmissible spongiform encephalopathies” or ”TSE’s” ,CWD is the most infectious of these, the name suggests a body sickness but it is actually degeneration of the brain and central nervous system which is the main symptom.
A Working Group has been established to formulate a Government and industry response, building on the work of the BDS over the last few years. The following information leaflet regarding CWD has been produced by the Working Group.
For details on how to spot chronic wasting disease (CWD), what to do if you suspect it and measures to prevent its spread please follow the link below.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/chronic-wasting-disease
Changes to Deer Management Qualifications (DMQ)
During 2019 Deer Management Qualifications (DMQ) embarked on a review of all qualifications and assessments with a view to ensuring the standards and best practice associated with modern deer management were reflected in the requirements for successful achievement of the awards.
The changes affect both the Deer Stalking Certificate (DSC) 1 & 2 qualifications and will come into effect on the 1st April, 2021.
In summary these are:
Further information
If you require assistance or have any questions regarding any of the forthcoming changes that may affect you, you should initially view the DMQ website for further guidance and information. If you have registered for a qualification you may contact your respective Assessment Centre. Alternatively you may contact DMQ direct via: deermanagementqualifications@gmail
Covid-19 statement
DMQ expects all those involved in the training, assessment and witnessing of qualifications, in particular the process of the DSC 2 qualification, to adhere to government advice, guidance and any subsequent legal restrictions concerning the coronavirus.
During this period there will be a slight delay in issuing certificates for both DSC 1 and DSC 2. Any person who needs proof of passing DSC 1 or DSC 2 please contact DMQ working group via email deermanagementqualifications@gmail.com
Best Practice
Deer Initiative is now in an editorial role for both the Eng/Wales and Scottish Best Practice projects. Ireland are adapting BP for their use also.
BP events are being held regularly across the country, keep an eye out for them on the Deer Initiative website www.thedeerinitiative.co.uk/best_practice/
Chronic Wasting Disease
Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), also known as Cervid Wasting Disease, is a highly infectious, fatal disease which has devastated some populations of wild and farmed deer in North America.
CWD has very recently been diagnosed in four separate cases in Scandinavia, in a wild reindeer and also in moose. The risk of CWD entering the UK is therefore likely to have increased now the disease is present in Europe.
CWD is caused by a prion, a mutant folded protein, and belongs to the same group of diseases as scrapie, which affects sheep and goats, and “mad cow disease” (bovine spongiform encephalopathy or “BSE”). This group of diseases are known collectively as “transmissible spongiform encephalopathies” or ”TSE’s” ,CWD is the most infectious of these, the name suggests a body sickness but it is actually degeneration of the brain and central nervous system which is the main symptom.
A Working Group has been established to formulate a Government and industry response, building on the work of the BDS over the last few years. The following information leaflet regarding CWD has been produced by the Working Group.
For details on how to spot chronic wasting disease (CWD), what to do if you suspect it and measures to prevent its spread please follow the link below.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/chronic-wasting-disease