Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is a contagious neurological disease that has been found in deer, elk and moose – collectively called cervids.

Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is a contagious neurological disease that has been found in deer, elk and moose – collectively called cervids.

According to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR), CWD can be transmitted through direct animal-to-animal contact or contact with saliva, urine, feces, blood, and/or certain carcass parts such as brain tissue and spinal cord of an infected animal. It is caused by prions and can remain in the environment for more than 10 years.

Prions infected with CWD cause small lesions in the brains of infected animals resulting in death. Infected deer may show no signs of disease or illness for several years. Advanced signs of CWD infection include:

  • Emaciation
  • Abnormal behavior including loss of fear of humans
  • Loss of bodily functions

Read more in the MDNR Chronic Wasting Disease Frequently Asked Questions PDF.

Deer hunting & processing

Hunters play an important role in limiting the spread of chronic wasting disease. The MDNR has several ways to have deer checked and tested for CWD. See a map of deer check stations in Michigan.

There have been no known transfer of CWD to humans at this point. Based on CDC recommendations, MSU Extension recommends not consuming venison from CWD positive animals.

Michigan CWD cases

Since discovered in Michigan in 2015, Michigan State University AgBioResearch scientists and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources have been working on a plan to identify areas of the state that are at high risk for CWD based on deer behavior and population dynamics. The plan depends on a model that combines deer population density, proximity to bordering states where CWD has been confirmed and disease transmission to predict where CWD will likely emerge and spread.

See more chronic wasting disease resources from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

News

View complete listing

Is There a Treatment for CWD?

Can I Get CWD?

What Type of Disease is CWD?

Can My Pets or Livestock Get CWD?

Where Has CWD Been Found?

Which Animals Can Get CWD?

How Is CWD Spread?

How Do I Know if a Deer or Elk I Shot Has CWD?

  • Spartans Will.
  • © Michigan State University
Michigan State University wordmark

MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer, committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce and inclusive culture that encourages all people to reach their full potential.

Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Quentin Tyler, Director, MSU Extension, East Lansing, MI 48824. This information is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.

The 4-H Name and Emblem have special protections from Congress, protected by code 18 USC 707.

We comply with the Federal Trade Commission 1998 Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).