Wisconsin DNR warns against deer baiting to prevent disease spread

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has issued warnings regarding deer herd health, specifically urging the public and hunters to adhere to baiting and feeding bans. The agency noted that intentional placement of food, minerals, or scented materials can cause deer to congregate unnaturally, facilitating the spread of chronic wasting disease (CWD).

CWD is a fatal disease affecting the nervous systems of deer, elk, moose, and caribou. It spreads through contact with infected saliva, urine, feces, or blood, and can persist in the environment via resilient prions. To mitigate these risks, state law mandates baiting and feeding bans in any county with a confirmed CWD-positive deer or within 10 miles of a positive location.