ST. LOUIS — Despite ongoing efforts to combat it, chronic wasting disease (CWD) remains a pressing concern for Missouri’s white-tailed deer population, according to the Missouri Department of Conservation. The agency reports that out of over 37,000 deer tested in the past year, 162 have tested positive for the fatal disease.
CWD poses a significant threat not only to deer health but also to Missouri’s hunting culture and economy. With other states implementing drastic measures, such as reducing deer populations, to control the spread of the disease, Missouri faces the risk of similar actions that could undermine its rich hunting traditions and economic vitality.
