DELAWARE- The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control's Division of Fish and Wildlife is asking taxidermists across the state to help strengthen its ongoing surveillance efforts for chronic wasting disease in the state's deer population.
The agency said taxidermists play a key role in monitoring the disease by helping collect samples from harvested deer, tracking harvest information and supporting efforts to decrease the potential spread of chronic wasting disease.
As part of the initiative, the Division of Fish and Wildlife is encouraging interested taxidermists to learn more about recommended best management practices, sample collection procedures, recordkeeping, carcass handling and other logistical considerations related to disease surveillance.
The division is asking taxidermists who would like to participate or learn more about the program to contact wildlife staff for additional information.
Chronic wasting disease is a neurological disease that affects members of the deer family, including white-tailed deer. Wildlife agencies monitor the disease through surveillance programs designed to detect its presence and help limit its spread.
