Louisiana expands CWD zone after first case outside Tensas Parish, restricting hunting practices.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has expanded its Chronic Wasting Disease Control Area to include parts of five parishes, affecting deer hunters as the archery season begins. The move follows the detection of a CWD-positive deer in Catahoula Parish, the first case outside Tensas Parish. The disease, which is fatal and untreatable, has led to restrictions on feeding, baiting, and hunting over bait in the Enhanced Mitigation Zone, while limited baiting remains allowed in the Buffer Zone under conditions. Carcass exports are restricted, with exceptions for processed meat, antlers, skulls, and taxidermy.