A fatal neurological disease has been detected in one white-tailed deer from a cervid facility in Newaygo County.
The deer was discovered through routine testing as part of the state’s surveillance program for CWD, which can spread among deer, elk, and moose.
Since 2008, CWD has been detected at 11 Michigan cervid farms in Kent, Mecosta, Montcalm, and now, Newaygo county. The disease also affects free-ranging deer in 11 different counties across the state.
State officials said an infected animal may appear healthy for months or years, but eventually they will display abnormal behavior, progressive weight loss, and physical debilitation.
The world health organization and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control advise against consuming animals that may be infected.
As part of disease response by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, investigations are ongoing to make sure the infected deer wasn't exposed to any other farmed cervids.
