Kentucky fish and game officials say there is no evidence of chronic wasting disease in the state’s deer or elk herds. Similar to last year, officials are testing random samples from deer harvested through the archery and firearm seasons.

Chronic wasting disease is a form of transmissible spongiform encephalopathy, a family of neurological diseases that result in a degeneration of the brain. CWD affects deer and elk and is always fatal.

No live-animal test for CWD is available. An examination of the animal’s brain is required. Test results probably won’t be available until after the season, according to state biologist and whitetail specialist Jonathan Day.

Hunters transporting legally harvested venison or elk into Kentucky from a state with CWD must remove the spinal column and brain. Boned and processed meat is fine, as is meat that has been boned out or quartered, provided all parts of the spine have been removed. Skulls and capes must be clean. Antlers attached to a clean skull plate are acceptable.

For more information check the regulations on Page 38 of the current Kentucky Hunting and Trapping Guide.

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