By
- MLive Express Desk
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has confirmed chronic wasting disease in farmed white-tailed deer in Calhoun, Kent and Mackinac counties
The department detected an infected 2.5-year-old deer in Calhoun County, a 4-year-old deer in Kent County and a 3-year-old deer in Mackinac County. State officials identified the first two herds through Michigan’s surveillance program for farmed deer, while the Mackinac County case emerged during trace investigations connected to the Calhoun County herd
“These detections highlight why it is so vital to perform regular surveillance testing,” said State Veterinarian Dr. Nora Wineland. “Early detection allows for a prompt response, which helps limit the exposure of additional animals to this disease.”
Chronic wasting disease is a fatal neurological condition that affects white-tailed deer, mule deer, elk and moose. The disease spreads both through direct contact between animals and through environmental contamination
Infected animals may appear healthy for months or years before showing signs of abnormal behavior, weight loss and physical decline
Michigan has dealt with the disease in farmed deer facilities before. Previous cases have appeared in Kent, Lake, Mecosta, Montcalm, Newaygo and Osceola counties
State officials are investigating whether other farmed deer herds were exposed to the disease
No human infections have been reported, but the World Health Organization and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend against consuming meat from infected animals
This article was produced with assistance from AI tools and reviewed by MLive.com staff
