Chronic wasting disease continues to spread in the state’s deer population.
Game, Fish and Parks detected the disease in a hunter-harvested deer in Union County.
It has now been confirmed in 20 counties, including three East River.
Game, Fish and Parks officials say most deer infected with chronic wasting disease show no signs until later stages. The animals eventually lose weight and die.
The state modified carcass transportation and disposal regulations last year to slow the spread of the disease. According to Game, Fish and Parks, the disease poses serious problems for wildlife managers, and the implications of long-term management for free-ranging deer and elk are unknown.