Ann Arbor deer photos

A deer walks across a non-motorized path off Geddes Avenue in Ann Arbor in April 2015. (Ryan Stanton | The Ann Arbor News)

LANSING, MI - The Michigan Department of Resources today confirmed the state's first case of Chronic Wasting Disease, a deadly neurological disease, in a free-ranging white-tailed deer.

The disease is transmitted through infectious, self-multiplying proteins known as prions. They're contained in saliva and other body fluids of infected animals. In addition, soil can be contaminated by those body fluids.

An animal can live with CWD, and spread it for years. Affected animals may display abnormal behaviors like weight loss and physical debilitation. There is no cure; the disease is deadly.

The disease was found in a 6-year-old female deer found behaving strangely in Meridian Township, east of Lansing. The Meridian Township Police Department killed the animal and sent it off for testing.

Those tests turned up positive, sending the DNR into an emergency response plan.

"While it is a disappointing day for Michigan, the good news is that we are armed with a thoughtfully crafted response plan," DNR Director Keith Creagh said. "We are working with other wildlife experts at the local, regional, state and federal level, using every available resource, to determine the extent of this disease, respond appropriately to limit further transmission, and ultimately eradicate the disease in Michigan if possible."

The state has established a Core CWD Area where unlimited antler-less deer hunting licenses will be available. Mandatory checking of deer will be required in the area during hunting seasons. It includes Alaiedon, Delhi, Lansing, Meridian, Wheatfield and Williamstown townships in Ingham County; Bath and DeWitt townships in Clinton County; and Woodhull Township in Shiawassee County. People also cannot consume roadkill in this area.

Prior to the hunting season, trained professionals will work to cull deer. The state will also complete a population survey in the area where the CWD-positive deer was found.

The state also created a CWD Management Zone in Clinton, Ingham and Shiawassee counties. Deer feeding and baiting will be banned in those counties.

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development will step up enforcement in nearby enclosed cervid facilities. There are three in the affected area.

There is no evidence that the disease affects humans, or any animals aside from cervids -- animals like deer, moose and elk. However, as a precaution, the DNR is warning people not to consume meat from infected animals.

The DNR is asking people who observe unusually thin or strangely-acting deer to call the DNR Wildlife Disease Lab at 517-336-5030 or fill out and submit the online observation report found on the DNR website.

While the disease is new to Michigan, a total of 23 states and two Canadian provinces have found CWD in either free-range or privately owned cervids.

Emily Lawler is a Capitol/Business reporter for MLive. You can reach her at elawler@mlive.com, subscribe to her on Facebook or follow her on Twitter: @emilyjanelawler.