March 21, 2010

Conservation Department steps up efforts to curb deadly deer disease

by Sara Forhetz, KY3 News

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Story Published: Nov 19, 2009 at 7:12 AM CDT

Story Updated: Nov 19, 2009 at 11:22 AM CDT

SPRINGFIELD -- The Missouri Conservation Department is turning to taxidermists and hunters to help test for a deadly disease in deer. Chronic wasting disease affects the nervous system of deer and elk, causing them to waste away or become abnormally thin, lose all bodily function and die. It's in several nearby states.

While the department has tested for CWD since 2002, this is the first time it's asked taxidermists for help. Taxidermists who volunteer will save the heads and necks of deer that hunters bring in and turn them over for testing.

"It's a disease that's fatal to an animal that is very popular with hunters and non-hunters, and, through the hunting and wildlife viewing activities, is a big revenue producer for Missouri," said Francis Skalicky, an educator for the Missouri Department of Conservation. "For all those reasons, it's very important we try to keep a healthy deer herd."

There is no evidence that eating meat from an infected deer is harmful. Unless health organizations say otherwise, the venison is considered safe to eat.

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