DNREC Confirms Third Case of Chronic Wasting Disease in Deer
GEORGETOWN, Del. – The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) has confirmed the state’s third case of chronic wasting disease (CWD) in a wild white-tailed deer.
Officials say the latest detection was found in central Sussex County near Georgetown, and expands Delaware’s CWD Management Zone (CMZ) to include Wildlife Management Zone 11, along with zones 14 and 16. The first case of CWD ever found in Delaware was detected in mid-April.
CWD is a fatal disease that affects deer and other members of the deer family. WMDT previously reported on temporary regulations DNREC is applying in the affected areas to help limit its spread, which includes reducing activities that bring deer together, limit the movement of potentially infected animals and infectious material, and increase CWD testing during the upcoming hunting season.
Delaware deer hunters are required to abide by the new regulations, which include the following:
- Prohibits the use of bait and feed for attracting deer within the CMZ
- Deer harvested within the CMZ during the November general firearm “shotgun” deer season (Nov. 13-22) must be checked in at one of two designated stations
- Prohibits the rehabilitation and relocation of “rescued” deer fawns originating within the Sussex County CMZ
- Prohibits the use of natural urine-based “buck lures” to hunt deer
- Adhere to requirements for moving harvested deer out of the CMZ to elsewhere within the state
For more information about CWD, click here.
