CUMBERLAND, Md. (AP) - The number of Maryland deer found to have chronic wasting disease is growing.
The Cumberland Times-News reported Wednesday that six of 200 deer recently tested in Allegany County were positive for the disease. That brings to 17 the number of confirmed cases since 2011, all from Allegany County.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources says the neurological disease is fatal to deer but there is no evidence it can be transmitted to humans, livestock or other animals.
DNR biologist Harry Spiker says five of the recently detected cases were deer killed by hunters, and one was a road kill.
The department routinely samples deer carcasses for the disease.
