A 2.5-year-old doe found in Gaines Township tested positive for chronic wasting disease.
GENESEE COUNTY, Mich. (WJRT) – Genesee County is the 16th area of Michigan affected by chronic wasting disease in its deer herd.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources says a 2.5-year-old doe found ill in Gaines Township tested positive for the fatal neurological condition. The deer was drinking continuously and walked right up to a conservation officer.
The Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory tested tissue samples from the deer for chronic wasting disease. Samples will be sent to a U.S. Department of Agriculture laboratory for confirmation.
Chronic wasting disease affects white-tailed deer, elk and moose. The deadly illness also is present in Clinton, Dickinson, Eaton, Gratiot, Hillsdale, Ingham, Ionia, Isabella, Jackson, Kent, Mecosta, Midland, Montcalm, Ogemaw and Washtenaw counties.
The disease spreads slowly, often going undetected in new areas. The DNR relies on surveillance from hunters and land owners to provide tips about deer possibly suffering from the illness.
“We appreciate the support and cooperation of the public as they continue to report sick deer so our team can follow up with the necessary testing for confirmation,” said Brent Rudolph, DNR deer, elk and moose management specialist.
Genesee County has been under heightened surveillance for chronic wasting disease since 2022, when the DNR tested 300 deer. No positive cases were identified until the Gaines Township doe earlier this month.
Deer suffering from chronic wasting disease often appear lethargic and disoriented. Anyone who believes they see a deer with the illness should click here to file a report with the DNR.
The DNR has no reported cases of chronic wasting disease spreading from animals into humans in Michigan. Any animals with the illness should not be consumed and hunters should take basic health precautions when dressing their deer.
The DNR also asks hunters to dispose of their deer carcasses in a landfill or in bagged trash to avoid spreading chronic wasting disease in the wild.
Hunters can access free self-sample submission kits in all counties outside surveillance areas starting in 2025.
