Michigan DNR Seeks Hunter Cooperation for Chronic Wasting Disease Surveillance
Michigan Department of Natural Resources is asking hunters in Mecosta, Montcalm, Newaygo, Kent, and Ionia counties to submit deer samples for Chronic Wasting Disease testing to track the disease's evolution and spread.
Traverse City Cadillac, MI, November 6, 2026 — The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) is calling on hunters in specific west Michigan counties to assist in monitoring the prevalence and progression of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) within the state’s deer population.
Hunters in Mecosta, Montcalm, Newaygo, Kent, and Ionia counties are being asked to submit samples from harvested deer. The initiative aims to gather crucial data that will help wildlife officials understand how the disease is evolving and spreading across these regions.
Chronic Wasting Disease is a fatal, transmissible neurological disease that affects white-tailed deer, elk, and moose. It belongs to the same family of diseases as scrapie in sheep and bovine spongiform encephalopathy (mad cow disease) in cattle. CWD has been detected in deer populations in several states and Canadian provinces.
The MDNR’s surveillance efforts are critical for informed wildlife management decisions. By analyzing samples, scientists can identify infected animals, map the geographic distribution of the disease, and monitor its impact on wild deer herds over time. This information is vital for developing strategies to manage CWD and protect Michigan’s valuable natural resources.
Specific details regarding the submission process for deer samples, including drop-off locations or collection methods, were not provided in the summary. Hunters interested in participating in the CWD testing program are encouraged to seek further information directly from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
The testing initiative is part of a broader effort to track the disease’s evolution and spread, allowing for a proactive approach to wildlife health management in Michigan.
Story summarized from the original created by Lisa Giles on www.9and10news.com, see more information here.
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