What is Chronic Wasting Disease?
Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) threatens wild and captive deer. This fatal disease is in a family of neurological diseases known as transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSE). In Texas, CWD impacts our native white-tailed and mule deer as well as elk and several exotic deer species including red deer, and sika deer. If not managed, CWD can have devastating, long-term impacts on Texas´ beloved white-tailed and mule deer. Visible symptoms often don’t appear until just before death. Learn about your important role in protecting the state’s most popular game animals.
First Case in Colorado
Chronic Wasting Disease was first found in 1967 in captive mule deer in Colorado. As of May 30, 2023, CWD has been documented in captive and free-ranging deer in 30 states and in Canada.
Discovery in Texas
The first case of CWD was discovered in 2012 in a free-ranging mule deer in West Texas and in a captive white-tailed deer in 2015. Hundreds of cases have been confirmed in captive and free-ranging deer since the initial discovery in 2012.
Economic Impact
If CWD is not contained and controlled, the implications of the disease for Texas and its multi-billion-dollar ranching, hunting, wildlife management, and real estate economies could be significant.
What Do I Need to Do?
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) asks that all Texans be aware of CWD and help curb the spread. Hunters, deer breeders and landowners are the most important participants.
Identify & Report Sick Deer
If you see a sick deer, report it immediately. CWD is hard to spot and healthy-looking deer could still be infected with the disease. Symptoms can take a year to develop, and they are not noticeable until the final months of the disease.
Hunter Rules, Responsibilities & Information
Testing deer harvests is mandatory in CWD zones and voluntary (but highly encouraged) elsewhere. When you submit your harvest for testing, you help biologists gather data to better understand and manage CWD spread.
Landowner Responsibilities & Information
Testing all hunter-harvested deer from your ranch helps to establish confidence to you and your hunters that CWD is not present in the deer population on your property.
What is Texas Parks and Wildlife Doing?
CWD Zones & Check Stations
TPWD establishes CWD Surveillance Zones. Hunters in these zones must take harvest samples to check stations for testing. Find your hunt location on our map.
Positive Case Tracking
So far, CWD has been found in relatively small areas in the Panhandle, West Texas and a few other areas. Follow all positive cases in Texas in an updated chart.
Find Your CWD Test Results
CWD testing is free; it takes about two weeks to get your results. Enter your six-digit CWD sample number here to find your result.
Management Plan
TPWD and the Texas Animal Health Commission (oversees exotic deer) have a plan to protect Texas deer. Learn more about CWD’s history and science here, too.