This is certainly a hot topic here in Wisconsin right now. An infected deer will not always appear to be sick. Of the 40+ deer found in Wisconsin to have CWD, only a couple looked ill. The rest appeared perfectly normal.

I'm quite certain there isn't any test currently available where the meat can be tested, so the meat market thing is not true. Scientists have been using lymph node tests or more commonly, a piece of tissue near the brain and first vertabrae called the obex. Blood test or tonsil samples on live deer are in the early stages of use and are not reliable yet.

I have had a pretty successful year so far and have had all but one of my deer tested. Results aren't due for 2-6 months, but I expect them to be O.K. and fully intend to eat them. Our DNR is trying to determine how far CWD has spread and has set up locations to collect samples for free. Some vets within the state will collect tissue samples to send in, but I believe there is a fee involved here. I'm not sure of the cost, but I think it's under $100.