NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission is implementing an emergency action plan after at least 13 cases of chronic wasting disease were discovered in deer.
Chronic wasting disease is fatal. It causes an infection in the brain, similar to mad cow disease. It is not known to spread to humans.
The sick deer were found in Fayette and Hardeman counties near the Mississippi border.
In response, the commission is enacting a plan for hunters in three high-risk counties. They are Fayette, Hardeman and McNairy Counties.
Deer hunted in those counties must remain there, except meat with all the bones removed, antlers with no tissue attached, tanned hides, cleaned teeth and finished taxidermy products.
According to the new rules, supplemental feeding is also banned in the counties.
Starting December 29, all hunters killing deer in the chronic wasting disease zone are required to physically check for testing at sampling and check stations with the counties.
A new hunting season has been created for Fayette, Hardeman and McNairy Counties starting January 7 through January 31.
Click here for more information from the commission.
