Portage County Deer Farm Quarantined as CWD Confirmed
A 3-year-old buck at a deer farm in Portage County, central Wisconsin, tested positive for chronic wasting disease (CWD). The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) confirmed the result on October 10, with the National Veterinary Services Laboratories in Ames, Iowa, issuing the official confirmation. The farm remains under quarantine as state veterinarians and federal officials conduct a comprehensive epidemiologic investigation.
CWD is a fatal, neurodegenerative disease affecting cervids such as deer, elk, and moose. It is caused by infectious misfolded proteins known as prions, which can spread through body fluids and contaminated environments. While there is no evidence that CWD transmits to humans, health authorities advise against consuming meat from infected animals and emphasize caution when handling carcasses.
Why Portage County Is At Risk
Portage County has a history with CWD, located roughly 50 miles west of Green Bay in central Wisconsin. The region has previously reported CWD cases in both free-ranging and captive cervids, and the county borders other areas where CWD has been detected. The current event underscores the importance of ongoing surveillance and strict biosecurity measures on wildlife premises.
What Happens During the Investigation
DATCP and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) are coordinating a farm-by-farm epidemiologic assessment. Investigators typically examine animal movements, quarantine compliance, feed sources, fencing integrity, and contact with wildlife. They may also conduct additional testing on other animals on the premises to determine if there is broader exposure or active infection.
Quarantine measures aim to prevent further spread of the disease among farmed cervids and to protect neighboring wildlife and livestock. Farmers are often required to implement enhanced sanitation, restrict animal introductions, and monitor for unusual signs of illness in addition to routine health screenings.
Understanding CWD and Its Transmission
CWD is categorized as a transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE). It is caused by prions, misfolded proteins that can accumulate in nervous tissue and body fluids. Transmission can occur through direct contact between animals or through environmental contamination where prions persist for extended periods. The disease does not have a cure, and infected animals typically die weeks to months after clinical signs appear.
Other TSEs, such as scrapie in sheep and bovine spongiform encephalopathy in cattle, share a similar mechanism, though each affects different species. The human health risk from CWD is considered low but not zero, which is why authorities advocate caution and discourage consumption of meat from potentially infected cervids.
Public Health Guidance and Safe Handling
Public health authorities reiterate key precautions for hunters, farmers, and consumers:
- Avoid eating meat from animals known or suspected to be infected with CWD.
- Wear gloves when handling carcasses and thoroughly wash hands and surfaces after processing game.
- Do not consume brain, spinal tissue, or other high-risk materials from cervids.
- Dispose of carcasses and waste according to local regulations to minimize environmental contamination.
Ongoing surveillance and reporting help researchers monitor trends and refine prevention strategies across Wisconsin and neighboring states.
What This Means for Local Farmers and Wildlife Managers
For deer farms, this event highlights the need for robust biosecurity, routine testing, and transparent reporting. Wildlife managers emphasize habitat and population management to reduce transmission opportunities among wild and captive cervids. Community outreach, farmer support programs, and coordinated testing efforts will be essential as investigations proceed.
Looking Ahead
As DATCP and USDA proceed with their epidemiologic work, updates will focus on the scope of the infection, any additional affected animals, and recommendations to prevent spread. While CWD remains a concern for Wisconsin’s deer industry and wildlife health, authorities continue to apply science-based measures to safeguard animals and people alike.
