Disease killing forest animals could strike U.P.
BARAGA — A chronic, infectious disease killing some forest animals could strike the Upper Peninsula next.
Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is a central nervous system disease that kills deer, elk and moose by creating small lesions in the brain. Sick animals deteriorate, losing weight, bodily fluids or movements and fear of humans, while drooling excessively, according to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR).
MDNR is trying to get the word out to educate the public on this devastating disease, and officials discussed the problem at a Western U.P. Citizens’ Advisory Council in Baraga Wednesday evening.
CWD is spread through direct animal-to-animal contact or by contact with saliva, urine, feces, blood and carcass parts, as well as by contact with infected soil.
MDNR has recorded several infected deer in south central Michigan, after testing thousands. It’s also tested more than 500 deer in the U.P. counties bordering Wisconsin, with no positive results, although the disease has been detected 25 miles from the Michigan border in Wisconsin.
Anyone who sees a deer that may be suffering from the disease should notify the MDNR. Hunters or others who notice sick animals are asked to report or submit the carcasses to the MDNR.
“The continued concern is in Wisconsin,” said Bill Scullon, DNR field operations manager. “It’s real. It’s a significant issue for us. It will have an impact on our deer herd. They’re moving across our landscape over time.”
Along with deer migration, the disease can be spread by anyone unwittingly hauling the carcass of an infected deer. By doing so, the condition can be spread anywhere along the route, making disease management important.
“Prevention, that’s been my concern,” said council member George Lindquist, from U.P. Whitetails of Marquette County and Michigan United Conservation Clubs. He also thinks education is important.
At a time when Upper Peninsula deer herds are already low, the spread of the disease here could be devastating.
Scullon said even though U.P. hunters saw more deer in the woods this year, the herd is still hurting.
“It’s still got a long way to go,” Scullon said regarding the number of deer. “We’re still in recovery mode. We’re nowhere near recovered.”
An additional $1 million for management of the disease will be used for disease testing, study of deer movement, sharpshooting of deer, check stations and communications.
Call 1 800-292-7800 to report suspicious animals. To learn more, visit mi.gov/cwd.