Arizona Game and Fish hope to avoid elk and deer diseases

PINETOP, Arizona (AP) – Arizona wildlife managers are taking preventative measures against a disease that can kill deer, elk and other animals.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department reports that chronic debilitating disease has been reported in several neighboring states, including Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico. .

Authorities crack down on the rules of transportation and possession of elk and deer in Arizona by state hunters.

Among them, hunters can enter with boneless meat or having been cut and packaged commercially. Other conditions include having skins without meat or soft tissues.

Hunters can check with their state all the rules.

MDC is a neurological disease that attacks the brains of infected animals and is always fatal. Authorities say the virus can spread through animal contact, soil, plants or contaminated surfaces.