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Privately-Owned Cervids

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Privately-Owned Cervids

Farmed cervids, also known as privately-owned cervids (POC), are deer, elk, reindeer, or any other member of the Cervidae family that are raised in captivity.

In the state of Michigan, cervids can be raised for breeding, meat production, private hunting, animal watching, and specialty products.

The efforts of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) and the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) are critical for maintaining the health of these animals, which is also key to protecting the health status of the free-ranging population of white-tailed deer and elk in the state.

The MDNR oversees the registration of facilities containing farmed cervids and performs inspections of these operations.

MDARD manages the disease programs for the state’s POC facilities. Participation in disease surveillance programs - such as those for chronic wasting disease (CWD) and the bovine tuberculosis (TB) - ensures for a robust industry by increasing the marketability of these animals by decreasing their potential for carrying disease.

Special Surveillance Area 

If a free-ranging or privately-owned cervid (POC) tests positive for chronic wasting disease (CWD), then a buffer circle is created around that positive animal.

Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) Surveillance

Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is a transmissible neurological disease found in deer and elk populations that produces small lesions in brains of infected animals. 

Cervid Program Contact Information

Contact us with general questions or concerns, or about specific types of cervids.

Cervid Resources

Brochures, handouts, maps and applications.