Texas CWD Task Force Sets Sights on Controlling Disease
Texas Parks and Wildlife’s Chronic Wasting Disease Task Force proposes testing whitetail deer to prevent spreading the disease. The group met Thursday in Austin where some members proposed testing free-range whitetail deer, as well as testing all deer killed this upcoming hunting season on ranches that have purchased animals from a captive breeding facility.
One proposal that faced a lot of opposition called for deer breeders to test all their captive deer that die for CWD; then tag the rest of their deer with a radio-frequency ear tag if they’re moved to another ranch or hunting lease. Breeders said the tags would be so visible hunters would be turned off.
TPWD commissioners will vote in the coming week on the task force’s proposals. Read and listen to the report from Texas Public Radio.
