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W. Va Attempts To Limit ‘Wasting’ Disease in Deer

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SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) – The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources is taking steps to limit the spread of chronic wasting disease among the state’s deer population.

The division says it has broadened Eastern Panhandle restrictions on the baiting and artificial feeding of deer. Effective this month, the restrictions were extended to the following counties: Berkeley, Grant, Hampshire, Hardy, Jefferson, Mineral and Morgan.

Division biologists say supplemental feeding and baiting of deer increases the chance of disease transmission of chronic wasting disease.

Chronic wasting disease affects the brains and nervous systems of deer and elk. There is no evidence to suggest that it poses a risk to humans or domestic animals.

The disease has been detected in 170 deer in Hampshire County and four in Hardy County.