ST. PAUL, Minn. (KFGO) – The Minnesota Board of Animal Health says a white-tailed deer that was part of a small farm herd in Douglas County has tested positive for chronic wasting disease.
It’s the first time CWD has been confirmed in Douglas County. The site has been placed under quarantine. The only other deer in the herd was euthanized and is being tested for CWD.
CWD is a disease of the deer and elk family caused by prions, which can damage brain and nerve tissue. The disease is most likely transmitted when infected deer and elk shed prions in saliva, feces, urine, and other fluids or tissues.
CWD is not known to naturally occur in other animals. The disease is fatal in deer and elk, and there are no known treatments or vaccines. Consuming infected meat is not advised.
