A case of chronic wasting disease has been confirmed in a 7-year-old farmed white-tailed deer in mid-Michigan’s Osceola County. The Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (MDARD) reported the case on Tuesday, March 11.
Investigations are ongoing to determine if other deer have been exposed. Chronic wasting disease is a contagious illness affecting deer, elk, and moose, causing brain deterioration, weight loss, unusual behavior, and death. It can spread through animals and indirectly through the environment.
There have been no reported human infections, but the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advise against consuming infected animals. State Veterinarian Dr. Nora Wineland emphasizes the importance of early detection and prompt response to limit disease spread.
Michigan has seen seven cases this year out of 4,000 tested deer, with 260 confirmed cases since 2015. The disease has been detected at 16 cervid farms and in free-ranging deer across multiple counties, including Clinton, Dickinson, Eaton, and Jackson. Hunters can access free and paid testing resources through michigan.gov/dnr to test their deer for disease.
Source: https://www.mlive.com/news/2025/03/chronic-wasting-disease-found-in-farmed-deer-in-mid-michigan.html