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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 32 states and has been detected in 58 Nebraska counties (See map below). Since
1997, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission has tested more than 57,000 deer, with 1,269
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 2023 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.
MENINGEAL BRAIN WORM
Meningeal brain worm is a disease that primarily affects mule deer and, to a lesser extent, elk
with fatal results. It is a parasitic nematode that uses white-tailed deer as a host, but does not
cause death. MBW has been a contributing factor in the decline and westward recession of mule
deer in parts of Nebraska. Mule deer with MBW typically are observed standing out in the open
and moderately unaware of their surroundings.
EPIZOOTIC HEMORRHAGIC DISEASE SUMMARY
In 2023, EHD detections and prevalence was lighter overall throughout the state. For more on
EHD in Nebraska, visit OutdoorNebraska.gov.
Unit Species % Positive
Sandhills MD 12%
Calamus East and West WT 5%
Loup West WT 3%
Keya Paha WT 2%
