Legislation aimed at preventing the spread of chronic wasting disease (CWD) into Alabama unanimously passed both houses of the Alabama Legislature and has been sent to Gov. Kay Ivey for her signature. 

SB 314 by Sen. Bobby Singleton, D-Greensboro, prohibits the importation of deer and other species of the family Cervidae for public exhibition. The new law will not apply to deer breeders, but will stop the transport of deer by zoos, circuses and pet shops.

CWD is a degenerative contagious neurological disorder causing spongy degeneration of brain tissue in deer, elk and moose. The disease has not been detected in Alabama, but it has been confirmed in neighboring Mississippi and Tennessee.