Chronic Wasting Disease Found In Md. Deer

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) -- Natural resources officials say the first case of chronic wasting disease has been confirmed in a Maryland white-tailed deer.

The Department of Natural Resources received confirmation of the disease on Thursday. A hunter in Allegany County reported taking the deer in November in Green Ridge State Forest.

Twenty other states and Canadian provinces have chronic wasting disease documented in deer, elk or moose.

Officials say the disease does not present a risk to people, pets or domestic livestock. However, hunters are reminded never consume the meat of sick animals.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)