The Missouri Department of Conservation is asking hunters for help in its effort to watch for cases of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD).
More than 100 cases of the disease have been found in deer and elk in northwest Arkansas. Because of that, MDC is continuing its increased surveillance efforts in seven southwest and south-central Missouri counties this fall and winter.
The department encourages hunters who harvest deer in Barry, Christian, Douglas, McDonald, Ozark, Stone and Taney Counties to have their animals tested for CWD. Testing is free, and MDC will share the results with participating hunters.
No cases of CWD have been found in southern Missouri. But MDC wildlife division chief, Jason Sumners, says early detection of the disease is critical because once the disease is well established it’s almost impossible to eradicate.
From September 15 through January 15, hunters can take their harvested deer for CWD testing to either the MDC Ozark Regional Office in West Plains or the MDC Southwest Regional Office in Springfield. Testing will be available during normal business hours, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
MDC staff will also collect tissue samples at select meat processors during the opening weekend of firearms deer season, November 12 and 13. For more information, 417-895-6880 or 417-256-7161.
Hunters who harvest deer, elk or moose outside of the state and bring the animal back to Missouri must report the animal's entry into the state within 24 hours by calling 877-853-5665 or reporting it online at mdc.mo.gov/carcass.
