Chronic Wasting Disease Found on Michigan Farm: Will It Spread?

Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), also known as Zombie Deer Disease, has been confirmed in another Michigan deer, this time in a 7-year-old whitetail deer in Osceola County. This fatal, highly contagious disease attacks the deer's nervous system, leading to strange behavior, rapid weight loss, and ultimately death.

RELATED: Michigan's Deer Population 2nd Highest in US, and It's a Problem

CWD, like Michigan's deer population, is a master of camouflage. According to Michigan State University (MSU), it can sit undetected and idle for months, years, or even several years.

Finding CWD in Michigan

So, how do you test a population estimated by Michigan's Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to be close to 2 million for a disease that passes from deer to deer directly and indirectly through the environment and only shows signs in the last, 100% fatal phase? The DNR uses a rotational method, selecting different counties each year.

Since 2008, CWD has been found in 16 deer farms in Kent, Lake, Mecosta, Montcalm, Newaygo, and Osceola. The first confirmed case in a wild whitetail would follow in 2015. Since then, it's spread to 14 counties, and over 143,000 deer have been tested statewide, with 260 confirmed feral cases.

Latest Case of CWD Raises Concerns

According to a March 11, 2025, Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) press release, the latest case in a seven-year-old whitetail farmed deer in Osceola County has raised concerns about the disease spreading.

RELATED: Michigan DNR's Poachers' Wall of Shame and Confiscated Racks

MDARD is urging Michigan hunters to use gloves when field-dressing deer, farmers to follow state-mandated surveillance programs, and everyone and anyone to report deer exhibiting odd behavior (other than darting out in front of cars) or showing outward signs of illness, like mangy fur, weight loss, and physical debilitation.

Can CWD Spread to Humans?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), no. It can not spread to humans, BUT they say, IF it did, it would more than likely be by someone who ate infected meat.

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While a prion infecting my nervous system doesn't sound like something I want to experience, I don't think I can give up my deer sticks and venison chili to avoid the possibility of being infected. Could you?