Great Lakes Wire

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) has identified a case of chronic wasting disease (CWD) in a farmed white-tailed deer from Osceola County. The seven-year-old deer was detected through the state's CWD surveillance program for farmed deer.

"Limiting the spread and impact of CWD on Michigan's farmed cervid herds hinges on the ability to detect the disease early and respond promptly," said State Veterinarian Dr. Nora Wineland, DVM, MS, DACVPM. "While regular CWD surveillance testing is central to accomplishing this goal, MDARD's continued partnership with herd owners, hunters, and other state and federal partners is also crucial to effectively managing this disease. Ensuring the health of Michigan's farmed cervid population has been and continues to be a team effort."

CWD is a fatal neurological disease affecting species such as white-tailed deer, mule deer, elk, and moose. It can spread directly between animals or indirectly through the environment. Infected animals may appear healthy for an extended period before showing symptoms like abnormal behavior and weight loss.

Since 2008, including this recent case, CWD has been confirmed at 16 cervid farms across several counties in Michigan: Kent (2), Lake (1), Mecosta (4), Montcalm (4), Newaygo (4), and Osceola (1). The presence of CWD in free-ranging deer is monitored by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. First discovered in May 2015 among free-ranging deer, cases have since been reported in 14 counties across both peninsulas of Michigan.

MDARD is currently investigating potential exposure risks to other farmed cervids as part of its response strategy.

There have been no human cases of CWD infection reported. However, health organizations advise against consuming meat from infected animals.

Further information about CWD can be accessed at Michigan.gov/CWD or Michigan.gov/MDARD-Cervid.