A recent report from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources reveals that 1,786 deer have tested positive for chronic wasting disease (CWD) during the fall hunt in 2024. Alarmingly, the majority of these cases—89%—occur in the Southern Farmland Zone, including areas around Madison, with the DNR testing a total of 17,399 deer this season. CWD is a fatal neurological disease affecting deer and related species, and infected animals can often show no symptoms for up to a year and a half.
In response to escalating cases, the DNR encourages ongoing monitoring and preventive measures, as new positive detections have emerged in counties like Waushara and Fond du Lac, which previously reported no cases this year. With a significant number of tests uncovering positives, deer health specialist Erin Larson emphasizes that while the disease is spreading, many affected regions remain at low prevalence, allowing opportunities to manage its growth effectively.
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