State Is Expanding Chronic Wasting Disease Sampling
Friday, November 23rd, 2018 -- 11:36 AM
Since 2000, hunters have donated more than 91,000 deer for local food pantries as part of the state’s deer donation program.Wisconsin Public Radio reports that now, the state is expanding its chronic wasting disease sampling of deer that are donated for the program as the disease has been detected in more counties statewide. The state requires deer that have been harvested for the program to be tested in 24 counties, which is up from 18 counties last year. Brad Koele, wildlife management specialist with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, said the six additional counties include Dodge, Eau Claire, Lincoln, Milwaukee, Oneida and Vernon counties.
Koele said the increase is due to wild deer that have tested positive for the disease in those six counties in 2017. The venison is held until the results of the testing are revealed. The Wisconsin Department of Health recommends testing in all counties where CWD has been found in wild deer. Last year, hunters harvested more than 1,500 deer for the program.
Koele said hunters can donate to the program through the end of the archery season in early January.
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