Turkey Hunters: Help DEC
With the first confirmation of lymphoproliferative disease virus (LPDV) in New York this past spring, DEC's Wildlife Health Unit needs your help to learn more about the virus. Visual symptoms of infection include skin lesions on the turkey's head, neck, legs and feet that closely resemble those of avian pox, a turkey virus common in North America. LPDV's close resemblance to avian pox may have prevented its detection and diagnosis until now, as only laboratory tests can distinguish between the two diseases. Fall hunters who see turkeys with skin lesions should contact a regional DEC wildlife office(http://www.dec.ny.gov/about/50230.html) or e-mail fwwildlf@gw.dec.state.ny.us to receive instructions on how to submit a sample for testing. As always, DEC advises against eating wild animals that appear sick.