Delaware Confirms First Case of Chronic Wasting Disease in Wild Deer

State of DE - Delaware has officially confirmed its first case of Chronic Wasting Disease, or CWD, in a wild white-tailed deer. The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, known as DNREC, made the announcement after the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Veterinary Services Laboratory confirmed the positive result. The infected deer was hunter-harvested as part of the state's routine wildlife surveillance program.

A second deer sampled this season has also tested presumptive positive and is currently awaiting final confirmation. Both deer were harvested in Sussex County. DNREC has already reached out to the hunters involved.

This marks the first time CWD has ever been detected in Delaware, and the first time it has been found anywhere on the Delmarva Peninsula.

What Is CWD?
Chronic Wasting Disease is a fatal brain and nervous system disease that affects deer, elk, moose, and other members of the cervid family. It is caused by infectious, misfolded proteins called prions. The disease has been reported in animals as young as six months old.

CWD spreads between animals through bodily fluids like saliva, blood, urine, and feces. Contact can happen directly between animals or indirectly through contaminated soil, food, or water.

It can even be passed from a doe to her fawn before or during birth. There are currently no treatments or vaccines available.

Should People Be Concerned?
There is no known transmission of CWD to humans. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that hunters who harvest deer or other cervids from an area where CWD has been confirmed get their animals tested before eating the meat. If an animal tests positive, the meat should not be consumed.

What Is Delaware Doing About It?
DNREC has already activated its CWD Response Plan. The agency has established a CWD Management Zone within a five-mile radius of where the infected deer was harvested, covering Wildlife Management Zones 14 and 16. Cluster sampling is now underway in that area to check for additional cases.

If more deer test positive, the response zone will expand. Delaware also plans to hold a community meeting near the detection area so residents can ask questions and stay informed.

During the next hunting season, Delaware plans to require mandatory deer check-ins at wildlife health check stations within the designated infection area for CWD testing. Additional regulation changes may follow to help slow the spread.

How You Can Help
The public plays an important role in containing CWD. Here are some steps residents can take right now:

Do not move live deer, and do not feed, bait, or provide water for wild deer. Deer carcasses from Delaware should be disposed of at a landfill. Whole carcasses should not be brought into Delaware from out of state, and carcasses should not be moved outside the CWD Management Zone.

If you spot a deer that appears sick, signs include weight loss, poor coordination, drooping ears, drooling, or frequent urination, report it using DNREC's Sick and Injured Wildlife Reporting Form. Do not shoot, handle, or eat animals that look or behave strangely.

Hunters should also switch to synthetic deer urine products rather than natural ones, and avoid pouring natural deer urine on the ground.

A Growing National Problem
Delaware is not alone in dealing with this disease. CWD has now been reported in 37 states across the country, including neighboring Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia. The disease can spread quickly as deer move across large areas in search of food.

DNREC has been testing deer for CWD annually since 2003, with nearly 13,000 samples tested over that time. The two positive results this season came from more than 600 deer sampled statewide.

For the latest information, including the state response plan, a map of the management area, and guidance for hunters and residents, visit de.gov/cwd.