Missouri lawmakers hunt for solution to deer and elk disease

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Intro:	Missouri lawmakers are hunting for a solution to a deer and elk disease.
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Wrap: A House committee heard testimony on whether the government should combat a disease that's only infected 11 deer in Missouri, but killed hundreds of deer in other states.

Missouri elk breeder Kevin Hinkabine says there isn't enough research to support government involvement.

Actuality:	HINK.WAV
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Description: “I don’t think we have enough data to make rules and regulations any stricter than what we’ve got.”

Others say government restrictions are the only way to ensure the disease dies out.

No decision has been made on the controversy.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Christina Turner.

Intro:	Missouri deer breeders are urging lawmakers to keep their hands off deer and elk.
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Wrap: Double fencing is one option state lawmakers are considering to combat a disease found in some of Missouri's deer and elk populations.

But deer breeder Troy Popielarz says new restrictions could run him out of business.

Actuality:	TROY.WAV
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Description: “I’ve been doing this for almost two years, and as a small breeder, to have me put another fence around my deer that I already have fenced in, I can’t possibly afford it.”

Others says double fencing could stop the fatal disease from spreading.

No decision has been made on the controversy.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Christina Turner.

Intro:	Missouri lawmakers are hunting for a solution to a deadly deer and elk disease.
RunTime:	0:40
OutCue:	SOC

Wrap: A House committee heard testimony on whether the government should combat a disease that's only infected 11 deer in Missouri, but killed hundreds of deer in other states.

Deer farmer Sean Schaeffer says the disease isn't the "boogey man" it's been made out to be, and he doesn't want the government to get involved.

Actuality:	SCHAEF.WAV
Run Time:	00:11
Description: “We hear all these horror stories of this deadly disease spreading throughout the nation, and that’s not the case. It’s not the truth, it’s not what we’re actually seeing in the field.”

But some fear if the disease spreads, it could cause Missouri's deer and elk to drop like flies.

No decision has been made on the controversy.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Christna Turner.