Chronic Wasting Disease Likely In 5th Michigan Deer

WATERTOWN TWP. (WWJ/AP) - The Department of Natural Resources says another deer killed in the Lansing-area appeared to have chronic wasting disease.

If confirmed through additional tests, it would be the fifth deer with the disease, which attacks the animal's brain and nervous system.

There were no obvious symptoms in the 1-year-old doe that was killed by an archer in Clinton County's Watertown Township, a new location for the disease. The hunter agreed to have the deer tested.

DNR deer specialist Chad Stewart says there's no evidence of widespread infection in the Michigan herd; 4,000 have been tested since spring. But Stewart says the latest case suggests there will be more in Clinton County.

Chronic wasting disease affects the central nervous system of white-tail deer, mule deer, elk and moose. Some infected animals will display abnormal behaviors, progressive weight loss and physical debilitation. There is no cure; once a deer is infected with the disease, it will die.

To date, there is no evidence that chronic wasting disease presents any risk to non humans, either through contact with an infected animal or from handling venison. However, as a precaution, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization recommend that infected animals not be consumed as food by either humans or domestic animals.

For more information, visit www.michigan.gov/cwd.

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