Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, supported by nearly $1.5 million in Wildlife Restoration funds, has launched a wide range of activities to learn more about the disease. Activities include surveillance, disease monitoring, surveys and research.

An important highlight of these ongoing activities in Wisconsin is a federally funded research study that examines the relationships of deer ecology, disease ecology, and hunter behavior to manage CWD. During the study, Wisconsin DNR will collect information to help researchers understand relationships between Chronic Wasting Disease and deer population dynamics, deer movement and behavior. The study will also focus on the extent of the disease, how the disease is transmitted and how quickly it spreads, and the effectiveness of Wisconsin's CWD management program. An important part of the study is an examination of human risk factors and attitudes of hunters, landowners, and the general public toward the disease. Findings from the study will significantly increase the information available about CWD, thereby enhancing efforts to manage the disease.