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Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission bans deer import

PENSACOLA, Fla. — Florida Fish and Wildlife commissioners passed a deer import ban to protect the state's deer population from a deadly, mad cow-like disease. 
 
Meeting in Pensacola early Friday, the commissioners heard from experts about Chronic Wasting Disease.
 
Florida is one of only seven states where the disease has not been found. 
 
The ban prohibits owners of deer farms and hunting preserves from importing deer from other states. 
 
Experts said the disease spreads quickly among herds and cannot be treated or prevented. Opponents of the ban say it could hurt business and create unnecessary bureaucracy.

The commission voted unanimously to prohibit deer farms, hunting preserves and others from importing the animals to stop the spread of chronic wasting disease.