Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) and Blue Tongue virus are significantly impacting deer harvest levels in Iowa, raising concerns for both wildlife management and hunting enthusiasts. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) recently conducted town hall meetings to discuss the ramifications of these diseases on local deer populations and gather public input on how to address them.
The spread of CWD has been particularly alarming, as it affects the central nervous system of deer and can lead to severe population declines. During these public sessions, IDNR district biologist Andy Robbins presented statistics and insights, emphasizing the importance of community engagement in tackling these issues and ensuring sustainable hunting practices moving forward.
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