The discovery of another deer infected with a disease deadly to the species could lead to more special enforcement in the state, near where it was killed.
CWD containment zones have been set up in the first three counties from which deer tested positive for chronic wasting disease, and 16 counties around them. Franklin County and those around it could soon be part of a similar zone. (image courtesy; Missouri Department of Conservation)
Franklin County is the fourth county in Missouri from which a deer has tested positive for chronic wasting disease. Previous positive results led to special CWD management zones encompassing 19 counties including and around the prior three counties – Macon, Adair and Cole.
Conservation Department deer biologist Jason Sumners says a similar effort could be launched in-and-around Franklin County.
“We will ramp up our testing in Franklin County and neighboring counties. We will be looking at regulations changes that are similar to what we have put into place or are proposing putting into place in a number of other places,” Sumners told Missourinet.
Hunters in CWD management zones are told not to use deer attractants or to move carcasses or meat out of those zones. The Department during hunting seasons has also lifted antler point restrictions or made available more permits to hunt antlerless deer in those areas to fight the prevalence of the disease.
CWD is a degenerative brain disease not known to be a danger to humans, but it is thought to be a threat to Missouri’s deer industry of more than 1-billion dollars.
All Missourians are encouraged to report sick deer.
