Chronic wasting disease spreads to Mississippi

Mississippi wildlife officials have documented the first case of chronic wasting disease in the state, making it the 24^th state to report the presence of the deadly neurological disease.

A white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in Issaquena County tested positive for the disease late in January. The 4 ½-year-old buck died of natural causes and was reported to the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks. The department announced the finding on Friday.

The MDWFP plans to immediately implement a CWD Response Plan. Part of this plan includes a supplemental feeding ban in six Mississippi counties.

Chronic wasting disease, which affects deer, elk and other cervids, has been confirmed now in 24 states and three Canadian provinces. Read more at MDWFP News.