Wisconsin State Assembly Representative Nick Milroy (D - South Range) of District 73 is expressing concern today about the lack of action on what he says is a potentially large problem with Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) among deer at Wisconsin’s deer farms.
Rep. Milroy says that a hard copy of the letter below is being sent to Secretary Harsdorf, Governor Walker & Secretary Dan Meyer via the legislative post office.
Dear Secretary Harsdorf,
I am following up to my previous correspondence dated March 12, in which I expressed deep concern at the increase in the number of captive deer and deer farms that have tested positive for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). Given the urgency of the situation, I am further concerned that I have not received a response from you, DNR Secretary Dan Meyer, or Governor Scott Walker, nor have I learned of any efforts being taken.
Just this week, it was reported that DATCP has placed the entire state under quarantine due to Emerald Ash Borer. We don’t want to get to that point with deer, so I will repeat what I wrote to you earlier. Immediate action must be taken to identify, cull, and test any animal that has been transported prior to being placed under quarantine to any non-quarantined farm. If any of these farms are located outside of Wisconsin, the respective agencies from those states must be notified as soon as possible.
We know that deer can be infected with CWD for years before showing signs of the disease. This is why it is so critical to test any deer that have been transported off of these farms even if the transfer occurred prior to being placed under quarantine. It is imperative that we get a handle on the spread of this disease between captive operations to protect private investments, taxpayers, and our wild deer herd.
Since the recent news about the possibility of CWD infected deer being transferred from Washington County to Bayfield County, I have been contacted by numerous Wisconsin residents that are concerned and angry about the possible continued spread of CWD. By copy of this letter, I am asking for information from DATCP. Please provide me with data for the past five years as to how many deer have been transferred from farms that subsequently were quarantined for CWD and where those deer were transferred.
Again, Secretary Harsdorf, this is an urgent matter and demands immediate attention. I am ready and willing to discuss the issue with you further at any time.
Sincerely, Rep. Nick Milroy
Last Update: Mar 23, 2018 11:42 am CDT
