Letter to the editor: CWD - HOW MUCH IS ENOUGH?

Laboratory research shows that prion contaminated soils remain infected for many years. Information collected from articles, meetings, and doing our own research, has convinced us that the Elk Run property is not being dealt with sufficiently.

Since 2009 after CWD was found, these lands have been allowed to be tilled, planted, and harvested. Excavation including installation of water and sewer lines has been done. Delivery trucks, tractors, equipment and other machinery have come and gone unknowingly transporting contaminated soils from job to job, and farm to farm. Grazing cattle have moved in and out. Wild deer have accessed breached fencing. Where will be their final destination? Are all these locations now contaminated with prions? The required soil removal at ER has dropped from 9 inches down to 2 inches. Also, take into consideration erosion from snow melt and rain run-off, is this adequate to ensure minimal risk? Coming from a farming background, common sense tells us otherwise. We believe these allowed activities are putting other areas at risk.

Being landowners and hunters within 2 miles of the location of the infected deer, we are extremely concerned. We are experiencing the devastating effects of this disease first hand. It's time for all landowners and deer hunters to be aware of the continued risks. Stand up and start asking the right questions. After reviewing research from other infected states, this terrible disease will spread. Is the extreme culling of the wild deer herd the answer, or will it all be in vain?!

Gary and Mary Anderson
Pine Island, MN