Minnesota DNR Acts Decisively: Controversial Deer Repellent Banned Over Escalating CWD Fears

In a pivotal decision reflecting an unwavering commitment to wildlife health, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has announced the immediate discontinuation of a widely used deer repellent, "Plantskydd," in its wildlife feeding operations. This significant policy shift comes directly in response to alarming new research indicating that the product, far from being a benign deterrent, might inadvertently contribute to the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), a fatal neurological illness threatening deer populations across the state.

Chronic Wasting Disease, often likened to "mad cow disease" for cervids, is a highly contagious prion disease that progressively deteriorates the brain, leading to emaciation, abnormal behavior, and ultimately, death.

With no known cure or vaccine, controlling its spread is paramount for wildlife managers across North America, including Minnesota.

The catalyst for the DNR's decisive action is a compelling study conducted by the University of Minnesota. Researchers meticulously observed deer behavior in relation to food treated with Plantskydd.

The findings were unsettling: instead of consistently repelling the deer, the treated food surprisingly attracted them or failed to effectively deter them after initial exposure. This unexpected allure led to increased congregation of deer around feeding sites. In the context of CWD, increased congregation is a critical concern, as it directly escalates the chances of disease transmission through direct contact or environmental contamination via saliva, urine, or feces.

"Our primary responsibility is to protect the health of Minnesota's wildlife," stated a DNR spokesperson.

"While Plantskydd was used with the best intentions to manage deer interactions with hay bales, this new scientific evidence necessitates a swift and decisive response. We cannot afford to overlook any potential factor that could exacerbate the CWD threat, and therefore, removing this product from our operations is a necessary precaution."

Historically, Plantskydd, an organic repellent made from dried animal blood, has been utilized by the DNR and private landowners as a deterrent, often applied to hay bales left out for livestock to prevent deer from feeding on them.

The rationale was simple: deer would be naturally repelled by the strong smell and taste. However, the University of Minnesota's research paints a different, more complex picture, suggesting that the initial strong odor might fade, or deer might habituate to it, eventually being drawn to the food source itself.

The DNR is now actively exploring and evaluating alternative methods for deterring deer from agricultural products and managed feeding sites.

The goal remains to find effective solutions that do not pose an unforeseen risk to the very wildlife they aim to protect. This situation highlights the dynamic nature of wildlife management and the critical role of ongoing scientific research in shaping policy. As the fight against CWD continues, the Minnesota DNR reaffirms its commitment to adapting strategies based on the latest scientific understanding, ensuring the long-term health and stability of the state's cherished deer population.