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(Iowa) -- The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is looking for more samples of deer in order to trace Chronic Wasting Disease and Hemorrhagic Disease. Jace Elliott works with the department as a wildlife biologist.
"This year has been very severe outbreak unfortunately," Elliott says. "Last year was as well. So, that's not boding well for certain parts of the state which we are trying to become aware of as much as we can."
They want around 5,000 more samples. Neither disease has been detected in humans, but Elliot says hunters remain conscious of the threat.
"If those hunters would like to know whether that deer has chronic wasting disease or not, we try to make it as easy as we can," Elliott says. "Simply by contacting your local DNR staff. Whether that's your law enforcement officer or your wildlife biologist."
The DNR can turn those tests around quickly. it usually takes about two weeks.
"The vast majority of samples are totally free of charge for hunters," Elliott says. "Worst case scenario, it would be a $25 charge. In general, we're able to cover the cost of that for our statewide surveillance program."
Since 2013, the disease has shown up in 25 counties. The first of two firearm deer seasons gets underway this weekend.