MDOT helps to monitor infectious deer disease

MISSISSIPPI (WCBI) – The Mississippi Department of Transportation is helping to monitor an infectious deer disease.

MDOT is working with the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks.

In the past year MDWFP has reported six cases of chronic wasting disease in the state.

It’s a brain-degenerating disease that primarily affects deer.

MDWFP set a goal to sample 5,000 deer for the disease during the current hunting season.

MDOT is responsible for removing road kill from the highway. MDWFP officials say road kill is the second best way to sample deer.

To help out, MDOT workers move road kill to the edge of the right-of-way and record the GPS location.

After wildlife agents take a sample, the deer is left in place to prevent any potential transmission.