Animal with "zombie deer" chronic wasting disease found in Washtenaw County
A new case of chronic wasting disease among deer – a condition known as "zombie deer" - has been confirmed in Washtenaw County, Michigan.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources reported Tuesday that this case marks the 15th county in the state where chronic wasting disease was found in the wild deer population. The animal involved was an adult buck in Salem Township that was not acting normally.
"This case was identified thanks to a resident who saw a deer that appeared ill and reported it to us," Chad Fedewa, acting DNR deer, elk and moose management specialist said.
Chronic wasting disease is tracked by state officials in both wild and farm-kept deer. A case among privately-owned deer in Osceola County also was reported Tuesday by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.
This progressive, fatal neurological disease affects deer, elk, moose and related cervid species. An infected animal might appear healthy for a long time, but in the later stages of disease, there will be abnormal behavior, weight loss and physical debilitation.
The Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, works with the DNR to identify the disease in Michigan's wild deer, noted the finding. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Veterinary Services Laboratory, in Ames, Iowa, also confirmed the test result.
"The expansion of chronic wasting disease to Washtenaw County is consistent with the slow spread we've seen throughout Michigan," Fedewa said. "Every piece of data is valuable in helping us make science-based decisions to support Michigan's wildlife. We are grateful that Michigan residents value deer and stay engaged in this way."
A number of hunting and wildlife regulations and recommendations are in effect in Michigan to help prevent the spread.
More information about the disease can be found at Michigan.gov/CWD.