MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has confirmed that a deer found in Meridian Township tested positive for Chronic Wasting Disease, a fatal neurological disease that affects white-tailed deer, mule deer, elk and moose.

The deer was seen wandering around a Meridian Township residence showing signs of illness. The homeowner called Meridian Township Police, who sent an officer to euthanize the animal. Further testing confirmed that the deer was infected with CWD. This is the first time the disease has been found in Michigan's free-ranging deer population. In 2008, a white-tailed deer from a privately owned cervid (POC) facility in Kent County tested positive for CWD. Meridian Township Police Lieutenant Ken Plaga says authorities are taking immediate action.

"We are currently trying to locate any deer that have either been injured or died, recover them and get them into the hands of the DNR for testing," Plaga said.

While there are no known risks to humans involving Chronic Wasting Disease, the DNR has issued an emergency order. A deer and elk feeding and baiting ban is now in effect, and all deer caught during hunting season must be tested for the disease. In addition, all roadkill deer will be tested for CWD, and salvage of roadkill deer is prohibited.

"There's no scientific evidence that humans can get chronic wasting disease, and that's what the world health organization and centers for disease control say," Steve Schmitt, wildlife veterinarian for the Michigan DNR said. "We'll be testing any deer we can get our hands on for CWD to answer whether it's established or if it's just an early infection disease."

Schmitt says symptoms can include a deer looking unusually thin or behaving abnormally (not showing fear of humans, wandering around in circles, etc.). If you see a deer that looks suspicious, you are encouraged to call the DNR Wildlife Disease Lab at 517-336-5030. You can also file a report with the DNR online or call 9-1-1. The DNR says the disease is spread through bodily fluids such as saliva and blood, so if you see a roadkill deer, you are encouraged to report it as soon as possible to prevent contamination of the surrounding environment. If you're unsure, the DNR says better to be safe than sorry.

"We'd rather have too many animals that aren't infected with CWD, but we're getting a chance to test them," Schmitt said.