FWC postpones decision on captive deer importation

            The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has deferred action on a plan to prohibit the importation of live captive deer into Florida from out-of-state sources.

Commissioners said they wanted more time to hear from staff and stakeholders about options designed to reduce the chances of chronic wasting disease being introduced into the state.

CWD 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.

It is not known to impact people.

So far, the disease has been discovered in 22 states, two Canadian provinces and in South Korea.

The FWC is considering a plan to ban people from importing deer into the state, but said it wanted to consider all of its options before making a final decision.

They will consider th issue again in September.

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