LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) — Washtenaw County is now the fifteenth county within the state the place the Division of Pure Sources has recognized power losing illness (CWD) within the wild deer inhabitants. A buck discovered performing sick in Salem Township lately examined constructive for CWD.
CWD is a deadly neurological prion illness that impacts white-tailed deer, elk, and moose. It may be transmitted from one animal to a different and thru the setting.
Usually, animals can seem wholesome for an prolonged interval whereas contaminated, however because the illness progresses, it causes the mind to deteriorate in a particular spongy method. This results in lack of physique operate, uncommon actions, and ultimately, demise.
“The expansion of chronic wasting disease to Washtenaw County is consistent with the slow spread we’ve seen throughout Michigan,” mentioned Chad Fedewa, performing DNR deer, elk, and moose administration specialist. “This case was recognized because of a resident who noticed a deer that appeared sick and reported it to us.”
Should you see a deer that seems sick, you’ll be able to report it to the state right here. CWD testing assets may be discovered right here.
So far, there have been no reported circumstances of CWD an infection in folks, however the CDC recommends that contaminated animals not be consumed as meals by people or animals. The DNR says hunters ought to take correct precautions when field-dressing or processing a deer, together with sporting rubber gloves, minimizing contact with brian and spinal tissues, and washing palms with cleaning soap and water.
Deer carcasses and elements ought to go straight to a landfill or be disposed of by way of common bagged trash pickup. Deer harvested from recognized CWD areas ought to by no means be disposed of on the panorama.
Up to now, 6 Information is conscious that CWD has been discovered within the following counties:
Clinton
Dickinson
Eaton
Gratiot
Hillsdale
Ingham
Ionia
Isabella
Jackson
Kent
Lake
Mecosta
Midand
Montcalm
Newaygo
Ogemaw
Osceola
