Deer disease found in Tennessee counties

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Wildlife officials in Tennessee are implementing an emergency plan after at least 13 cases of chronic wasting disease were discovered in deer.

WTVF-TV reports the sick deer were found in Fayette and Hardeman counties in Tennessee.

The Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission says chronic wasting disease has no known risk to the health of humans or livestock. It says CWD is a deadly neurological disorder that affects deer.

In response to the cases, the agency is enacting a plan for hunters in Fayette, Hardeman and McNairy counties.

The station reports deer hunted in those counties must remain there, except meat with all the bones removed, antlers with no tissue attached, tanned hides and finished taxidermy products.

Starting Dec. 29, hunters killing deer in the CWD zone are required to check for testing at sampling and check stations with the counties.