Mandatory and Voluntary Testing for Deer as Fatal Disease Detected in California for the First Time

As archery season kicks off in California, hunters in four designated zones are now required to test their deer for Chronic Wasting Disease, a deadly illness recently detected in the state for the first time. Despite no cases being identified on the North Coast, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife is urging hunters across the state to participate in citizen science efforts by voluntarily testing their deer. With both mandatory and voluntary testing efforts underway, CDFW is mobilizing to contain the spread of this fatal disease, which poses a significant threat to the state's deer and elk populations. Lauren Schmitt reports... ____ How to collect and submit CWD samples yourself: https://wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Laboratories/Wildlife-Health/Monitoring/CWD/Collect-Submit-Samples?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery How to Get Your Deer Tested at a Sampling Station or CDFW Office: https://wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Laboratories/Wildlife-Health/Monitoring/CWD/Sampling-Station?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery Map of mandatory testing zone: https://cdfw.maps.arcgis.com/apps/dashboards/da5b342acb124116ad856079f98831c5 More info on Chronic Wasting Disease confirmed in California: https://wildlife.ca.gov/News/Archive/chronic-wasting-disease-confirmed-in-california-deer-populationcdfw-urges-hunters-to-be-vigilant-and-participate-in-disease-surveillance-efforts?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery