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Big Game Diseases
CHRONIC WASTING DISEASE
Chronic wasting disease is a fatal, transmissible prion disease of deer and elk. It is not known to spread to
humans. Species specific prion diseases are present in sheep (Scrapie), cattle (BSE/Mad Cow), mink (TME)
and humans (Creutzfeldt-Jakob). CWD has been documented in wild deer populations of 29 states and
has been detected in 54 Nebraska counties (See map below). Since 1997, the Nebraska Game and Parks
Commission has tested more than 57,000 deer, with 1,238 positives. Since 2015, Game and Parks primarily
has focused sampling on bucks 2 years or older, since they are the population segment most likely to have
chronic wasting disease.
The 2022 testing results were:
How does CWD spread? — CWD is believed to be spread
in deer herds by direct contact with infected animals or
contaminated substances: saliva, urine, feces, blood, brain,
spinal cord, or soil. There is no known method to eliminate
chronic wasting disease from wild herds.
How can we reduce the spread and reduce human
contact with chronic wasting disease prions? — Follow
these steps:
• Educate yourself and others about it.
• Do not artificially congregate deer by using supplemental feeds or methods that concentrate deer. These
sites can become hot spots contaminated with feces, urine and prions from infected deer. Infected sites are
impossible to clean up, but fencing or burial can reduce access.
• Dispose of deer remains (bones and tissue) at a landfill. Place remains in a heavy plastic bag before
disposal to prevent contamination of soil. DO NOT transport the carcass back to the field.
How can I get my deer tested? — Hunters who wish to have a deer tested can contact an accredited lab
in Nebraska or surrounding states for details by visiting aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/nahln/downloads/
cwd_lab_list.pdf.
For more information — Visit OutdoorNebraska.gov or cwd-info.org.
Unit Species
Percent
Positive
Frenchman WT 26%
Pine Ridge WT 27%
Plains WT 31%
Upper Platte WT 16%
Nebraska Chronic Wasting Disease Positive Counties, 1999-2022
