In the wake of chronic wasting disease (CWD), the Natural Resources Commission has approved new bio-security regulations for Michigan taxidermists.

There is evidence from other states to suggest that carcasses from CWD-infected animals have led to new CWD infections. A case of CWD in New York was linked to a business that had both captive cervids and taxidermy operations.

The new regulations prohibit taxidermists with captive cervids on their premises from allowing live animals to have contact with any taxidermy materials or waste. All animal waste must be disposed of in a type II landfill, which accepts general household waste. And taxidermists may not provide any parts of deer, elk, or moose to be used for the purposes of attracting animals for hunting, trapping, or other recreational pursuits. The new regulations include increased fees and reporting requirements.

It is already illegal for hunters to bring into Michigan any parts of deer, elk or moose other than boned meat, antlers, hides, and cleaned skull caps from animals taken in any state or province where CWD is known to exist. It is illegal to possess such a carcass that has been illegally imported into Michigan. It is also illegal to possess a carcass from the CWD surveillance zone in Kent County, unless it has tested negative for CWD.

The new regulations were adopted after many months of meetings involving state wildlife officials, members of the Michigan Taxidermy Association and the public.www.michigan.gov/dnr.