MANITOWOC – A deer in Manitowoc County has been identified to have chronic wasting disease, and authorities urge hunters to test any deer they have harvested.

The positive test result is from a 1-year-old buck harvested Nov. 23 on private property, according to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

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.

CWD is a fatal neurological disorder affecting deer, elk and moose. It 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. No cure or vaccine is yet available, making spread of the disease a significant concern for wildlife management and conservation efforts.

This positive CWD test creates a new baiting and feeding ban in Manitowoc — which already has a local ordinance restricting baiting and feeding in the county. The incident will reset baiting and feeding dates for Calumet County. It won’t impact the baiting and feeding ban in Sheboygan County as it has a later expiration date as a result of other positive CWD cases.

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The DNR suggests all hunters test harvested deer in Manitowoc County. The agency tests deer for free.

DNR representatives will attend the annual meeting of Manitowoc County Fish & Game Jan. 30 at City Limits in Manitowoc. The meeting starts at 7 p.m. will host a variety of speakers and updates on conservation efforts in Manitowoc County. The meeting is free and open to the public.

The DNR also hosts deer advisory meetings. Learn more at https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/calendar/meeting/56296.