U.S. Forest Service officials at Land Between the Lakes are taking new measures to prevent the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) by prohibiting the transport of harvested deer across state lines inside the National Recreation Area. This came about after officials with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency reported seven white-tailed deer have tested positive for the disease in Tennessee.
LBL Environmental Stewardship Manager John Westbrook says in a release this is a very serious disease that can have catastrophic impacts on deer and elk herds in the area. He notes it’s important that hunters follow the rules to keep the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease isolated.
According to the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife, both Kentucky and Tennessee are limiting the transport of certain deer parts across state lines. Officials say hunters are prohibited from bringing any deer across state lines unless the brain and spinal column have been removed first.
The U.S. Forest Service encourages hunters to check with game processors before transporting any harvested meat across state lines.
