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How to get deer checked for chronic wasting disease, bovine tuberculosis this firearm season

How to get deer checked for chronic wasting disease, bovine tuberculosis this firearm season

What is chronic wasting disease?

Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is a fatal neurological disease that affects deer, elk, and moose. It is caused by a misfolded protein called a prion. Prions are found in the saliva, urine, feces, and blood of infected animals. CWD is spread when healthy animals come into contact with these bodily fluids.

What are the symptoms of chronic wasting disease?

The symptoms of CWD can vary depending on the stage of the disease. In the early stages, infected animals may show no signs of illness. As the disease progresses, animals may develop the following symptoms:

• Weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Excessive thirst
• Frequent urination
• Drooling
• Abnormal behavior
• Difficulty walking
• Emaciation
• Death

How is chronic wasting disease diagnosed?

CWD is diagnosed by testing the brain tissue of an infected animal. The test can be performed on live animals or on animals that have been harvested. There is no cure for CWD.

What are the risks of chronic wasting disease?

CWD is a serious disease that can have a significant impact on deer populations. It can also pose a risk to human health. There is no evidence that CWD can be transmitted to humans through the consumption of venison, but it is important to cook venison thoroughly to kill any potential bacteria or parasites.

What can be done to prevent the spread of chronic wasting disease?

There are a number of things that can be done to prevent the spread of CWD, including:

• Not feeding deer or elk
• Not allowing deer or elk to come into contact with domestic animals
• Properly disposing of carcasses of infected animals
• Reducing the deer population in areas where the disease is present
• Educating the public about the disease

What is bovine tuberculosis?

Bovine tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial disease that primarily affects cattle. It can also be transmitted to other animals, including deer, elk, and bison. Bovine TB is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium bovis. The bacteria are spread through the air in droplets of saliva, mucus, or milk.

What are the symptoms of bovine tuberculosis?

The symptoms of bovine TB can vary depending on the stage of the disease. In the early stages, infected animals may show no signs of illness. As the disease progresses, animals may develop the following symptoms:

• Weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Coughing
• Difficulty breathing
• Swelling of the lymph nodes
• Diarrhea
• Emaciation
• Death

How is bovine tuberculosis diagnosed?

Bovine TB is diagnosed by testing the blood or tissue of an infected animal. The test can be performed on live animals or on animals that have been harvested. There is no cure for bovine TB.

What are the risks of bovine tuberculosis?

Bovine TB is a serious disease that can have a significant impact on cattle populations. It can also pose a risk to human health. Bovine TB can be transmitted to humans through the consumption of raw milk or meat from infected animals. Symptoms of bovine TB in humans can include fatigue, weight loss, fever, night sweats, and coughing.

What can be done to prevent the spread of bovine tuberculosis?

There are a number of things that can be done to prevent the spread of bovine TB, including:

• Testing cattle for the disease
• Removing infected animals from herds
• Properly disposing of carcasses of infected animals
• Educating the public about the disease

How to get deer checked for chronic wasting disease, bovine tuberculosis this firearm season

During the 2022-23 firearm season, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will be offering free CWD and bovine TB testing for deer. Hunters can have their deer tested at one of the DNR’s check stations or by taking the deer to a participating taxidermist or meat processor. To find a check station or participating taxidermist or meat processor, visit the DNR’s website at michigan.gov/cwd.

It is important to note that CWD and bovine TB are not the same disease. CWD is a fatal neurological disease that affects deer, elk, and moose, while bovine TB is a bacterial disease that affects cattle and other animals, including deer. Both diseases can have a significant impact on wildlife populations and pose a risk to human health.

By getting your deer tested, you can help the DNR track the prevalence of CWD and bovine TB in Michigan. This information will help the DNR develop strategies to manage these diseases and protect the health of Michigan’s wildlife and human populations.