From NJ Fish and Wildlife:
We need your help in addressing a potentially serious threat to our deer herd. Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is a contagious disease affecting deer and other members of the deer family. It has been found in wild deer in Pennsylvania and New York. In the attached letter, Director Larry Herrighty is asking for your help in keeping it out of NJ by observing the following voluntary measures:
- Refrain from using urines and scents as lures if they are derived from live deer as CWD can be spread with these scents and lures.
- Debone all deer species before crossing state lines. CWD is carried in the brain and spinal cord of infected deer, and it is vitally important that these parts of a deer are not transported across state boundaries. Alternately, have your deer processed commercially before you bring it to New Jersey.
- Be familiar with and follow all laws regarding the transport of deer carcasses – both wild and captive – and be sure to check all legal requirements which apply to where you hunt or transport your deer.
- Report deer that appear sick, weak, or starving to DFW at 908-637-4125 ext. 120 or 609-984-6295. One of the most important ways of stopping the spread of CWD is early detection, so your reports of potentially sick deer are critically important to NJ’s disease monitoring efforts!
Please read the attached letter for more information.