A deer taken by sharpshooters in Meridian Township may be Mid-Michigan's eighth case of Chronic Wasting Disease.
The Department of Natural Resources is waiting for official confirmation. The deer was killed as part of the CWD management program.
The CWD Management Zone consists of Ingham, Eaton, Clinton and Shiawassee Counties.
Feeding and baiting deer is illegal in the zone.
The DNR has reduced the price of antlerless deer tags by 40% in those counties to encourage hunters to take more deer and have them tested voluntarily. All deer killed in the following townships must be tested withing 72 hours:
Lansing
Meridian
Williamstonwn
Delhi
Alaiedon
Wheatfield
DeWitt
Bath
Watertown
Eagle
Westphalia
Riley
Olive
Victor
Oneida
Delta
Woodhull
Chronic Wasting Disease affects white-tailed deer, mule deer, elk and moose. It is spread through bodily fluids and causes neurological problems that eventually lead to death. There is no evidence that CWD affects humans or other animals. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend humans and animals not eat the flesh of infected animals as a precaution.
