BILLINGS — Montana officials are expanding restrictions on the transport of big game animals killed by hunters to prevent the spread of a fatal disease.
The move announced Wednesday comes after a deer killed in southcentral Montana near Huntley tested positive for chronic wasting disease, which first showed up in the state two years ago.
The two-year-old buck was killed by state wildlife workers after showing signs of infection.
The restrictions apply to hunters who kill deer, elk or moose in Yellowstone County and a portion of Big Horn County. Hunters also are advised to have harvested animals tested and not to consume the meat if it’s positive for the disease.
Chronic wasting disease previously has shown up along the Canadian border and south of Billings. It affects animal nervous systems.