With muzzleloader and modern gun deer
seasons on the horizon, officials with the Kentucky Department of Fish and
Wildlife are encouraging hunters to be watchful of any signs of Chronic Wasting
Disease in Kentucky deer herds.
Chronic Wasting Disease, which has not
yet been found in the state of Kentucky, is a fatal, neurological disease of
white-tailed deer as well as mule deer, elk, caribou and moose. The disease is
currently present in six of seven bordering states, including Missouri,
Illinois, Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia and Tennessee.
Since 2002, the department of fish and
wildlife have tested more than 30,000 deer and elk for CWD with all results
coming back negative. There is no live test for CWD, so state officials will
again be relying on tests of deer harvested this fall.
Hunters are encouraged to donate the
head of Kentucky-harvested deer or elk to state officials for testing, and
hunters who see deer showing symptoms of CWD can call 1-800-858-1549.