"Absolutely no Wisconsin venison should be consumed unless it is from deer
that have been adequately tested for CWD.  The government is engaging in
dangerous and reckless policy when it tells families and food banks that it
is safe to eat untested deer.  This is proof that Wisconsin's so-called
Eradication Zone is not unique and mad deer could and probably will be found
all over the state."

John Stauber
co-author, Mad Cow USA      www.prwatch.org

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DEER TESTS POSITIVE ON HUNTING PRESERVE IN PORTAGE COUNTY [Central Wisconsin]

For Immediate Release - September 19, 2002
Contact:  Dr. Clarence Siroky (608) 224-4872

MADISON - State Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection
officials have been notified that a whitetail deer on a hunting preserve
game farm in Portage County has tested positive for chronic wasting
disease. 

State Veterinarian Clarence Siroky immediately quarantined the farm.
Since whitetail farms are currently regulated by the Department of
Natural Resources, DATCP officials also immediately notified DNR.  A
joint investigation is underway.

"This deer was tested because our emergency rules, implemented when we
first discovered CWD in Wisconsin, require it," said Siroky.  DATCP
adopted emergency rules in response to the finding of CWD in
free-ranging deer near Mt. Horeb in February. The rule regulates the
import, keeping and movement of cervids, including deer and elk, to
prevent the spread of chronic wasting disease.

Two deer from the Portage County game farm had been tested. The other
sample came back negative.  Testing was done by USDA at the National
Veterinary Services Laboratory in Ames, Iowa.

DATCP officials have learned that the positive deer may have been
purchased from a farm in Walworth County (south east Wisconsin].  The State
Veterinarian has also quarantined that farm pending the investigation.

###

[Note:  there are approximately 950 elk and deer farms spread across
Wisconsin.]