Effecting the deer population every year is CWD, a fatal neurological disease located in around half of the US states year round, all caused by a genetic mutation in the deer’s proteins.

CWD otherwise known as Chronic Wasting Disease can effect any species from the Cervid family, such as deer, elk, and moose. It is a neurological disease, and effects the way the animals body creates proteins. It is always fatal, and no known cure is available at the moment. It was discovered in the 1960’s and identified as a protein deformation in the 1970’s.

How does it effect deer population yearly?

CWD can cause declines in deer population, but it can take a long time to establish a decline. It can take 25 years or more for this to happen. Since this disease is spread through bodily fluids, it can be spread rapidly, but takes a while to reach a significant enough impact tov effect the overall deer population.

How to identify it?

If you see deer that look mangy, malnourished, and patchy fur then there is a chance the deer has CWD. Effected deer also are not afraid of humans, stumble around, have droopy ears, and drool.  It almost looks like the deer can be drunk. Stay away from these deer, as they could potentially be dangerous as they are very comfortable around humans.

Who to contact/report?

If you see a deer that you think has CWD please contact the DNR right away. The faster we report it, the less of an effect it could have on the deer population, and the less it can spread.