The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is reminding hunters and the public that they can help slow the spread of chronic wasting disease (CWD) by following baiting and feeding regulations.
CWD is an always-fatal disease that affects the nervous system of deer, elk, moose, and caribou caused by a misshapen prion protein.
The disease can spread through contact with an infected animal’s saliva, urine, or feces.
It can also spread indirectly through exposure to a contaminated environment.
CWD prions are extremely resilient, and they can stay in the soil for a long time, making containment of an affected area a challenge.
Placing bait, even in small quantities, unnaturally attracts deer to feed in a concentrated site, increasing the risk for spreading CWD.
Repeated use of baiting and feeding sites creates a long-term risk of disease transmission.
Baiting and feeding deer is banned by state law in certain counties due to the presence of CWD in wild or farm-raised deer.
Even where baiting and feeding are allowed, the DNR encourages hunters to reconsider using these practices to reduce the risk for disease transmission.
Visit the DNR’s webpage to learn which counties currently ban baiting and feeding.
