TALLAHASSEE— The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has prohibited importation of live captive deer from out-of-state sources.
The rule was passed to reduce chances of chronic wasting disease, or CWD, being introduced into the state. Eighteen other states, including Georgia and Alabama, also prohibit importation of live cervids such as deer, elk and moose.
CWD is a contagious, fatal neurological disease affecting cervids. So far, the disease has been discovered in 22 states, two Canadian provinces and in South Korea.
The order includes limited exemptions for reindeer and zoos.
Learn more about chronic wasting disease, this rule and the CWD Alliance; see the link at MyFWC.com/CWD.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission prohibits deer importation