Using Dogs to Detect CWD With Brenna Babiy of Penn Vet’s Wildlife Futures Program

Dogs are remarkable. They’re much more than just "man’s best friend." When trained, dogs can help humans with a long list of tasks ranging from finding bombs and drugs to searching for lost people, detecting low blood sugar and other health concerns, and much more. Also on the list is detecting wildlife diseases including chronic wasting disease (CWD). In this episode, Nick and The Doctor talk with Brenna Babiy who is the Conservation K9 Supervisor and handler at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine’s (Penn Vet) Wildlife Futures Program, about how her team’s work can someday change the way CWD is found and tracked in the wild. Brenna’s team is part of a greater partnership with the Pennsylvania Game Commission known as the Pennsylvania Wildlife Futures Program. NDA is also a partner in the effort. While not many people enjoy talking about CWD, this work is exciting and is showing a lot of promise for helping manage the spread of the disease. It’s a bit of good news about a topic that typically has little. In this week’s B-Team report, hear how one of our hosts had trouble keeping track of his favorite turkey calls while the other has his day disrupted due to another form of failing memory! The next episode is an Ask NDA Anything show so please get your questions in at [email protected]. Finally, today is NDA Giving Day! If you haven’t already, please consider making a donation to the NDA Fund by visiting our website. All donations today will be matched up to $50,000 thanks to the help of some generous donors.   Important Links Penn Vet Working Dog Center Pennsylvania Wildlife Futures Program Title sponsor: Black Rifle Coffee Company Show sponsor: Mathews Archery Follow Nick Pinizzotto on Instagram Follow Mike Groman on Instagram Music by Bensound   Subscribe to the Podcast on: Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Spotify iHeartRadio Stitcher   About the National Deer Association The National Deer Association (NDA) is a non-profit deer conservation group that works to ensure the future of wild deer, wildlife habitat and hunting. Thank you for subscribing to our podcast! Support NDA’s mission by becoming a member today. NDA has the highest ranking from Charity Navigator, an independent group that monitors non-profits for financial efficiency and effectiveness. Learn more about deer and deer hunting in our weekly, free e-newsletter. Follow us on our other channels: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube