Deadly Deer Disease Confirmed in 18 Michigan Counties

Michigan deer hunters have another reason to pay attention this season, and this time it has nothing to do with recent changes to hunting regulations.

A deadly disease has been confirmed in wild deer in 18 Michigan counties over the years, including right here in Genesee County. And while this isn't a new problem, the disease continues to show up in new areas.

In fact, two counties have been added to the list within the past year.

Deadly Deer Disease Recently Found in Two More Michigan Counties

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Chronic wasting disease (CWD) isn't anything new in Michigan. It was first found in wild deer here back in 2015.

According to the Michigan DNR, Gladwin County was most recently added to the list in February 2026 after a hunter harvested an infected deer. Before that, Allegan County became the 17th county in November 2025. You can see all 18 counties below.

What is Chronic Wasting Disease?

CWD attacks a deer's nervous system, and unfortunately, there's no surviving it. What's really scary is that an infected deer can look perfectly healthy for a long time, even while spreading the disease to other deer.

Michigan DNR Asking Hunters for Help in 2026

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The Michigan DNR announced October 12 that it wants hunters in Mecosta, Newaygo, Kent, Montcalm, and Ionia counties to have their deer tested this season.

They're trying to get a better idea of how much the disease has spread since they last did extensive testing in those areas back in 2019.

So, what about the rest of Michigan? Is your county on the list?

Take a look at the gallery below to see all 18 Michigan counties where CWD has been found since 2015, along with how many cases have been confirmed in each.