MADISON, Wis. — The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection reported this week that a deer farm in Vilas County has tested positive for chronic wasting disease.

The National Veterinary Services Laboratories confirmed the test results.

The sample was taken during routine surveillance and came from an adult doe that was born on the farm and showed no signs of disease at the time of death, officials said.

DATCP has quarantined the approximately 250 white-tailed deer at the 600-acre farm. The herd will remain under quarantine, and DATCP and U.S. Department of Agriculture veterinarians and staff will conduct an epidemiological investigation.

CWD is a fatal, neurological disease of deer, elk and moose caused by an infectious protein called a prion that affects the animal’s brain. Testing for CWD is typically only performed after the animal’s death.

DATCP regulates deer farms for registration, record keeping, disease testing, movement and permit requirements.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources began monitoring the state’s wild white-tailed deer population for CWD in 1999. The first positives were found in 2002.

State law requires that the DNR enact a ban on feeding and baiting of deer in counties or portions of counties within a 10-mile radius of disease detection.

Baiting and feeding of deer is banned in 57 of Wisconsin’s 72 counties, including Vilas, Forest, Florence and Marinette.