FWC to consider rule banning importation of out-of-state deer

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is considering a rule change that would ban the importation of live captive deer into Florida from out-of-state sources.

The change is being proposed in an effort to reduce the chances of chronic wasting disease being introduced into Florida.

Chronic Wasting Disease has been discovered in 22 states, two Canadian provinces and in South Korea.

It is a contagious neurological disease affecting deer, elk and moose.

It is similar to mad cow disease, always fatal, and there is no known cure or vaccine for the animals.

It is not known to affect people.

The rule-change proposal will go before the Commission at its June 13 meeting in Lakeland but before then the commission wants to hear from deer enthusiasts and those who have deer farms or hunting preserves about the change.

If the proposal is passed at the June meeting, it would go into effect soon after.

If you have an interest in this issue, go on-line to MyFWC.com/Deer and select “Captive Cervids” to read about what is being proposed and offer any comments, questions or concerns.

http://www.oysterradio.com e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments