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2 Iowa counties increase testing for chronic wasting disease in deer

Fremont and Greene counties will have additional testing after deer in those counties tested positive for the disease last year.

IOWA, USA — The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is conducting additional testing for chronic wasting disease in Iowa's Fremont and Greene counties after deer in those counties tested positive for the disease last year, KCRG reports.

This year, one animal from Wayne County has tested positive for CWD. The disease only affects deer and close relatives, such as elk. 

Symptoms of CWD include weight loss, lack of coordination, drooling and lack of fear of people.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises hunters to not shoot or eat deer and elk meat they think is infected. They advise hunters to wear gloves when dressing deer and to bring them to a check station to be tested.

The DNR is hosting a virtual public meeting to discuss the status of the disease in Iowa on Nov. 29 from 7 to 8 p.m. You can register for the meeting with this link.

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