Good news for Florida’s deer herd – the state says Florida deer show no signs of chronic wasting disease after nine years of testing for the deadly disease.
Chronic wasting disease is a contagious, neurological disease that has been found in captive and wild herds of mule deer, white-tailed deer and Rocky Mountain elk in several Midwestern and western states.
The disease causes degeneration of the brains of infected animals resulting in emaciation, abnormal behavior, loss of bodily functions and death.
The FWC tested 910 free-ranging deer during the past year and more than 5500 deer during the past nine years, with no chronic wasting disease -positive results.
To reduce the chances of the disease entering Florida, the state prohibits importing live deer unless they come from a herd that has been certified disease-free for five or more years.
It also bans importing the carcasses of any species of deer, elk or moose from 18 states and two Canadian provinces where chronic wasting disease has been detected.
Once again this hunting season, the FWC is turning to hunters for assistance in helping monitor the state's deer herd for chronic wasting disease.
The state is asking hunters to report any sightings of sick or emaciated deer, or deer dead of unknown causes.
Hunters can report sick deer by calling 866- 293-9282.
http://www.oysterradio.com e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
No comments:
Post a Comment