Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) and Wisconsin Deer
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources began to
monitor the state’s wild white-tailed deer herd for chronic wasting disease
(CWD) in 1999. On February 28, 2002, the first cases of CWD were reported
for three deer near the city of Mount Horeb in south-central Wisconsin.
Intensive statewide surveillance ensued during the remainder of 2002 and
early 2003. Results from this surveillance detected 204 deer infected with
CWD, but all of these diseased deer were from the area near Mount Horeb.
This area includes portions of Dane, Iowa, Richland, and Sauk counties.
Our current CWD management strategy calls for the reduction of deer populations in those areas where CWD is detected. Herd reduction should decrease the transmission rate of CWD resulting in the decline and eventual eradication of the disease. Hunter and landowner cooperation is essential for this management strategy to be effective. CWD surveillance in Wisconsin's deer herd will continue to support management and research efforts, and ultimately gain a greater understanding of the disease.
Landowner Permits Available
Landowners owning 5 or more acres of land in a Chronic Wasting Disease Eradication Zone will again be eligible to apply for landowner permits. Landowner permits allow landowners to hunt on their own property within a disease eradication zone without having to buy a license. Landowners may also authorize hunters to hunt on their property. Landowners and hunters may apply for these permits at any license sales location in the state beginning September 1, 2004.
Links:
Ask Department of Natural Resources Secretary Scott Hassett: Aug 2004
Ask Department of Natural Resources Secretary Scott Hassett: Sep 2004
Ask Department of Natural Resources Secretary Scott Hassett: Oct 2004
Understanding Chronic Wasting Disease in Wisconsin : .PDF file