MSU Extension Educator

Principle Investigator: Sonja Christensen, MSU Dept. of Fisheries & Wildlife -

A key recommendation proposed by Michigan’s CWD working group was the development of public education to address CWD.

Since chronic wasting disease (CWD) was first detected in Michigan in 2015, over 200 deer have
tested positive for CWD across nine Michigan counties. In 2017, the Michigan Natural Resources
Commission established the Chronic Wasting Disease Working Group to develop recommendations on
steps and actions to mitigate or eliminate CWD in Michigan. A key recommendation proposed by
Michigan’s CWD working group was the development of public education to address CWD. To assist in
connecting with new audiences and to amplify messaging around CWD, Michigan State University (MSU)
Extension’s Community, Food and Environment Institute (CFEI) collaborated with the Michigan
Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) to hire a statewide extension educator to create, deliver,
and evaluate local and statewide communication strategies and innovative educational programs that
meet current and projected outreach needs related to white-tailed deer management and CWD. The MSU
Extension Educator works with partners and key audiences to identify communication strategies to
increase awareness among diverse audiences about CWD and efforts associated with this position will
help individuals from across Michigan better understand the scope of CWD and strategies that can be
undertaken to reduce spread, prevalence, and overall impact of
CWD.

Learn more (link to PDF)

Did you find this article useful?

You Might Also Be Interested In

Tag List
  • chronic wasting disease
Michigan State University
  • Spartans Will.
  • © Michigan State University

MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer, committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce and inclusive culture that encourages all people to reach their full potential.

Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Quentin Tyler, Director, MSU Extension, East Lansing, MI 48824. This information is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.

The 4-H Name and Emblem have special protections from Congress, protected by code 18 USC 707.

We comply with the Federal Trade Commission 1998 Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).