Assessing Drivers of Spread and Transmission of CWD in Michigan Deer

The discovery of chronic wasting disease (CWD) in Michigan created an immediate need for research on local deer populations. Though there have been over 200 confirmed CWD cases in Michigan since 2015, the initial cases occurred across a relatively small geographic region in Central Michigan. This presented a unique opportunity to study a disease that has recently emerged on the landscape.

In other states where CWD is more established, disease spread is attributed to deer movements. ​We placed GPS collars on white-tailed deer in south-central Michigan from 2018-2020 as part of a multi-year study of chronic wasting disease (CWD). The remaining collars will automatically drop off by Spring 2022. This study will provide information on localized deer dispersal, seasonal movement patterns, and basic population characteristics to better inform CWD management strategies.  This information will be critical for informing management strategies in real-time aimed at improving the health of our wildlife resources. 

Questions?  Please email qwc.mddi@gmail.com or call 517-917-0716. 

​To report a recovered collar please call 517-432-4440.  ​

Photo by J. Trudeau