The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has confirmed a case of chronic wasting disease (CWD) in free-ranging deer in Washtenaw County, marking the state’s 15th county to report the fatal neurologic disease. The buck was seen acting ill in Salem Township, which is located in southeastern Michigan.
In neighboring Jackson County, 39 deer have tested positive for CWD through combined DNR collections and hunter submissions. This expansion of CWD to Washtenaw County is consistent with the slow spread observed throughout Michigan.
CWD has been detected in several other counties in the state, including Clinton, Dickinson, Eaton, Gratiot, Hillsdale, Ingham, Ionia, Isabella, Jackson, Kent, Mecosta, Midland, Montcalm, and Ogemaw.
According to Chad Fedewa, MS, acting DNR deer, elk, and moose management specialist, the expansion of CWD in Washtenaw County is not unexpected, given the slow spread of the disease throughout Michigan. The case was identified thanks to a resident who reported a deer appearing ill.
Michigan’s testing strategy involves testing deer in groups of counties each year and then rotating to another group. The DNR will continue to monitor the situation and identify counties in need of additional CWD testing in the future.
Source: https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/chronic-wasting-disease/washtenaw-becomes-michigans-15th-county-cwd-positive-wild-deer