MECOSTA COUNTY, MI – Deer at two different farms have chronic wasting disease.

One deer at a farm in Mecosta County and one deer at a farm in Montcalm County tested positive when the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development did routine testing, a MDARD news release said. The deer were 2 and 4 years old.

Chronic wasting disease is a fatal neurological disease that is transmitted from animal to animal and through the environment, the release said. An infected deer can appear normal for months or years before it starts to have abnormal behavior, progressive weight loss and physical debilitation.

There have been eight cases of chronic wasting disease have been found at deer farms since 2008, including the two new cases, the release said.

“Since chronic wasting disease can significantly impact all Michigan deer, it is vitally important to detect the disease as early as possible,” State Veterinarian Nora Wineland said in the release. “Early detection allows MDARD and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to work in collaboration with farmers and hunters to stem the spread and manage this serious disease.”

There is an investigation to see if the disease spread to other deer.

There are no reported cases in humans, the release said. However, people and animals should avoid eating infected meat.

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