Chronic wasting disease has been spreading through Wisconsin’s deer herd for more than two decades — and now state lawmakers are pushing new measures to fight it. Senator Jeff Smith of Brunswick and Representative Jenna Jacobson of Oregon unveiled a CWD Prevention Package at the Capitol Friday. The three-bill plan would boost funding for deer testing and research, expand carcass disposal sites, and increase public education about the disease. Since 2002, over 8,300 deer have tested positive for CWD across 60 counties, and the DNR now considers it endemic in southern Wisconsin. Lawmakers warn the disease could put the state’s billion-dollar hunting industry and outdoor traditions at risk.
Senator Smith says the plan is long overdue, and while some bipartisan agreement is emerging, more work still needs to be done.
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