By Blake Jackson
A Dodge County deer farm in Wisconsin has been completely depopulated following a confirmed outbreak of chronic wasting disease (CWD). The farm was quarantined in May 2023 after a 9-year-old doe tested positive for the disease, a fatal neurological condition affecting deer and elk.
Out of the 172 depopulated animals, 23 were confirmed to have CWD, bringing the total number of positive cases at the farm to 26. These included three cervids that died before the depopulation.
The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) has confirmed the depopulation and stated that the farm owner will receive federal compensation for the culled animals. To prevent further spread of CWD, the farm will be prohibited from housing any cervids for five years. During this period, it must maintain proper fencing and undergo regular inspections.
This incident highlights the seriousness of CWD and the importance of quarantine measures in containing its spread. It also serves as a reminder of the potential economic impact of the disease on the cervid farming industry.
Photo Credit: pexels-jim fawns
Categories: Wisconsin, General