By Blake Jackson
The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) has announced that a deer at a Richland County deer farm has tested positive for chronic wasting disease (CWD). The diagnosis was confirmed by the National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) in Ames, Iowa.
The infected animal was a 3-year-old buck. Following the confirmation, state officials placed the farm under quarantine, where it will remain while DATCP and the U.S. Department of Agriculture continue a full epidemiological investigation. This process will help determine how the disease may have entered the facility and whether any additional animals were exposed.
CWD is a deadly neurological illness that impacts deer, elk, and moose. The disease is caused by abnormal proteins known as prions, which damage the nervous system and lead to severe neurological decline.
DATCP oversees deer farming operations across the state, ensuring compliance with requirements related to registration, recordkeeping, animal movement, disease monitoring, and testing.
For CWD information, visit https://datcp.wi.gov/Pages/Programs_Services/ChronicWastingDisease.aspx.
Photo Credit: pexels-jim-fawns
Categories: Wisconsin, General