JACKSON, Miss. — The Mississippi Commission on Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks voted to change a rule on feeding wildlife to allow feed to be spread across the ground for wild animals outside of enclosures. 

The amendment to the policy removes the word stationary before spin-cast feeders to allow for the broadcasting of feed, MDWFP Wildlife Division Director Amy Blaylock said at the group's Sept. 23 meeting.

The rule change is likely to reduce diseases because gravity feeders and trough feeders unnaturally concentrate deer and other animals, with the increased concentration making it easier for diseases to jump from animal to animal. Spreading the feed would help mitigate this, proponents of the policy argued.

Dumping feed in a pile, under the revised policy, remains prohibited because that can promote mold growth.