First Case of CWD in Manitowoc County

Press Release   Press Release

 To:          Area Media         

From:        The Manitowoc Unit – Manitowoc
County Fish & Game

Subject:    First Case of CWD in County

The Manitowoc Unit of Fish & Game has been informed by the Wisconsin DNR that Manitowoc County has identified its first deer with Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD).  Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is a fatal neurological disorder affecting deer, elk and moose. This disease is caused by abnormal proteins called prions. CWD leads to brain damage, resulting in severe weight loss, behavioral changes, and eventually death. The disease is highly contagious and spreads through direct contact with infected animals or contaminated environments. Despite extensive research, there is currently no cure or vaccine for CWD, making it a significant concern for wildlife management and conservation efforts.

In the communication sent by the DNR:, “As identified in the department’s policy regarding notification for the first CWD positive result in a county, I am notifying you that the department received notification of the first CWD+ wild test result in Manitowoc County.  This test result is from a wild 1 year old buck harvested November 23rd on private property.  The deer was harvested within 10 miles of both Calumet and Sheboygan Counties. It is about 20 miles from the nearest wild positive deer in Sheboygan County and about 3 miles from the nearest captive positive deer in Manitowoc County.  This CWD+ test result will create a new baiting and feeding ban in Manitowoc, but this county already has local ordinance restricting baiting and feeding in the county. It will reset the baiting and feeding dates for Calumet. It will not impact the baiting and feeding ban in Sheboygan County as this county has a later expiration date due to captive positive detections within the county.” (Note Deer Pictured is NOT the subject animal) It is suggested that all hunters test harvested deer in the County.  Testing is free through the DNR.

DNR representatives will be present at the Annual Meeting of Manitowoc County Fish & Game on January 30^th, at City Limits in Manitowoc.  They hope to have more information to share with area sportsmen. The meeting starts at 7pm and will host a variety of speakers and updates on conservation efforts in Manitowoc County.  It is open to the public and free to attend.

Website:  www.mantyfg.com

or Contact Anne Busse – Unit Vice President at [email protected]

or [email protected]