Researchers are learning more about chronic wasting disease

Katie Ockert<ockertka@msu.edu>, Michigan State University Extension -

Researchers are learning more about chronic wasting disease through various research projects funded by Michigan PA 207 of 2018.

A doe deer.

Chronic wasting disease is a contagious neurological disease that has been found in deer, elk and moose and may be one of the most concerning diseases on the landscape for wildlife. Chronic wasting disease was found in free ranging white-tailed deer in 2015 and since then scientists have been asking questions and discovering answers through various research projects.

The Michigan Legislature created Michigan Public Act 207 of 2018 to fund research that addresses high priority concerns related to managing chronic wasting disease in Michigan and the Great Lakes region.

The cooperation and coordination of research through the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Michigan State University has produced a total of 19 studies that examine various aspects of the disease ranging from chronic wasting disease transmission and decontamination to public perceptions and willingness to adopt new practices to mitigate disease spread. All these studies are helping the wildlife community learn new information to fight the disease.

Several of these research projects have been highlighted through videos and written articles to inform the public about the strides that scientists are making. Each scientist was asked to explain their research project and talk about how the information they gain will impact chronic wasting disease in Michigan and on a national scale. The videos are available online on the Michigan State University Extension Chronic Wasting Disease website.

MSU Extension worked directly with researchers to allow them to tell their research story so that their good work can reach as many people as possible. The videos were cooperatively created by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and MSU Extension with funding from PA 207 of 2018.

This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. For more information, visit https://extension.msu.edu. To have a digest of information delivered straight to your email inbox, visit https://extension.msu.edu/newsletters. To contact an expert in your area, visit https://extension.msu.edu/experts, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464).

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