As Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) continues to threaten deer populations across Kentucky and the country, I am writing to express my support for Kentucky House Bill 700 (HB 700) and urge you to vote "YES" on this important piece of legislation.

HB 700 establishes a CWD Surveillance Zone around areas where CWD has been detected in wild deer populations. It creates a 30-mile radius from detection points, where the movement of cervid carcass parts and wild cervids will be closely monitored and regulated. Notably, if less than 10% of a county falls within the 30-mile radius, that county would not be designated as part of the surveillance zone. Additionally, the bill includes a sunset provision, ensuring that a zone designation will expire after five years without a new CWD detection in the area.

The bill also provides critical protections for captive cervids, or farmed deer. If CWD is detected at a facility, the bill prohibits the movement of these animals outside of a 10-mile radius. Importantly, HB 700 does not restrict the interstate movement of cervids and includes provisions that allow for the movement of deer parts and the continuation of breeding operations within a facility.

A recent committee substitute, or amendment, to HB 700 added a significant new provision allowing captive deer farmers to build a secondary fence 10 feet inside the perimeter of their facility to create a buffer zone between wild deer and captive herds. If this fence is constructed before a CWD detection occurs within 10 miles of the facility, the operator would be allowed to export captive cervids to other facilities within Kentucky. This amendment also includes an emergency clause, meaning the law will take effect immediately once signed into law.

CWD is a fatal neurological disease that affects deer, elk, and other cervids, posing a significant threat to our deer populations and the future of hunting in Kentucky. By regulating the movement of cervids and their parts, HB 700 provides a strong framework for managing this disease and preventing its spread. The legislation is crucial for preserving hunting opportunities in Kentucky, which could be severely impacted if CWD continues to spread unchecked.

As a Kentucky resident and hunter, I urge you to vote “YES” for HB 700. This bill is a vital step in ensuring that Kentucky remains a prime destination for hunters while effectively managing the threat of CWD. With your support, we can protect the health of our deer herds and preserve Kentucky’s proud hunting traditions for generations to come.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to your support for this critical piece of legislation.