2 Additional Deer Test Positive For Chronic Wasting Disease

LANSING (AP) -- State officials say two additional free-ranging deer in southern Michigan have tested positive for chronic wasting disease.

The Department of Natural Resources says one was a 9-month-old male from Ingham County's Meridian Township. The other was a nearly 3-year-old female from Watertown Township in Clinton County.

Since May 2015, nearly 4,900 Michigan deer have been tested for chronic wasting disease, a fatal neurological illness that affects deer, elk and moose. Seven of them were infected.

Samples are being taken from deer hit by vehicles and others killed by sharpshooters with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Wildlife Services. More than 630 deer have been shot in nine townships considered the "core area" for chronic wasting disease.

DNR deer specialist Chad Stewart says landowner cooperation is needed to contain the disease.