DNR: Wild deer test positive for chronic wasting disease for 1st time in Portage, Juneau cos.

Article by: Associated Press
Updated: January 2, 2013 - 4:10 PM

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MADISON, Wis. - The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources says two deer have testified positive for chronic wasting disease — one each in Portage and Juneau counties.

It's the first time wild deer have testified positive for the disease in both counties.

DNR regional wildlife program manager Kris Belling says neither of the positive cases was unexpected. Juneau County is near the CWD management zone boundary, and the DNR has been sampling in Portage County for 10 years after the disease was discovered on a former game farm.

Gun hunters harvested the two deer on Nov. 18. The sampling results do not change the remaining days of the late archery hunting season, nor do they change the current management zone boundary.

CWD is a mad-cow-like brain disease that can be fatal to deer.