In a recent development, the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) has confirmed that a deer farm in Sauk County has tested positive for chronic wasting disease (CWD). The National Veterinary Services Laboratories in Ames, Iowa, confirmed the presence of the disease in a 10-year-old doe. As a precautionary measure, the 22-acre farm has been placed under quarantine while DATCP, along with veterinarians and staff from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), conduct an epidemiological investigation.
CWD is a fatal neurological disease that affects deer, elk, and moose. It is caused by an infectious prion protein that affects the brain of the animal. The Wisconsin DATCP plays a crucial role in regulating deer farms, overseeing aspects such as registration, recordkeeping, disease testing, movement, and permit requirements.
The discovery of CWD on the deer farm highlights the importance of disease monitoring and prevention in the state's deer population. By implementing strict measures and conducting thorough investigations, the authorities aim to contain the spread of the disease and protect the wider deer population from its detrimental effects.
For more detailed information regarding CWD and its implications, please visit DATCP's dedicated page: About CWD. Additionally, to gain insights into DATCP's farm-raised deer program, which outlines the regulations and procedures governing deer farming in Wisconsin, please visit: About DATCP's farm-raised deer program.
Efforts to control and mitigate the impact of CWD remain a top priority for the Wisconsin Agriculture Department. By promptly addressing CWD outbreaks and enforcing rigorous protocols, the authorities aim to protect the health of the state's deer population and uphold the interests of farmers and consumers engaged in deer farming.
Photo Credit: pexels-jim fawns
Categories: Wisconsin, General