The Missouri Department of Conservation is considering changing state regulations to slow the spread of chronic wasting disease, an always-fatal disease that affects deer, moose and elk.
Barbara Keller of the conservation department said during a meeting Tuesday in Cape Girardeau that one possible change would prohibit importing deer carcasses from other states. The department also is considering restricting movement of carcasses within Missouri.
The Southeast Missourian reports Keller says the change is intended to minimize the contact between infected and healthy animals.
She said the disease is nearly impossible to eradicate once it's established, which is why the department is trying to halt its spread in Missouri.
The department is holding public hearings across the state in October to spread the information and to gather public input.
