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Chronic wasting disease found in farmed deer in 3 Michigan counties
MLive.com • • health
Key Points:
- The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has confirmed chronic wasting disease (CWD) in farmed white-tailed deer in Calhoun, Kent, and Mackinac counties.
- Infected deer detected include a 2.5-year-old in Calhoun, a 4-year-old in Kent, and a 3-year-old in Mackinac, with the latter case linked to trace investigations from Calhoun County.
- State Veterinarian Dr. Nora Wineland emphasized the importance of regular surveillance testing for early detection and limiting disease spread among farmed deer.
- Chronic wasting disease is a fatal neurological illness affecting deer species, spreading through direct contact and environmental contamination, with infected animals showing symptoms only after months or years.
- While no human infections have been reported, health authorities advise against consuming meat from infected animals, and investigations are ongoing to determine if other herds have been exposed.
