Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD)

Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is a neurological disease in deer, elk and moose that attacks the brain, causing weight loss, abnormal behavior, and, eventually, death. CWD belongs to a group of diseases called transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs).  CWD is similar to scrapie in sheep and bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in cattle, but CWD is a distinct disease known only to affect members of the deer family.

Scientists think CWD is transferred from one animal to another through contact with saliva, feces, and urine, but the disease may also be spread indirectly from the environment to susceptible animals.

Frequently Asked Questions about CWD

Current CWD Zones for Deer and Elk and Positive Cases 1997-2007
  Current CWD Zones for Deer and Elk (as of 11/10/08)

CWD Management Plans
  Chronic Wasting Disease Management Plan - 2005 - Approved by the Wyoming Game and Fish Commision 2-17-2006

CWD News
 CWD Detected in Elk Hunt Area 19 South of Casper
 Star Valley Moose Tests Positive for CWD
Ongoing CWD Study Gives Researchers a Glimpse Into How the Disease Affects Elk Populations
 Mule Deer Harvested Near Buffalo and Kaycee Test Positive for CWD 10-13-08 
 Chronic Wasting Disease Surveillance Continues in 2008

CWD Video
Shedding Light on Chronic Wasting Disease

Surveillance
    Check your Chronic Wasting Disease Test Results Here!

Previous CWD Results

  2007 CWD Summary
  2006 CWD Summary
  2005 CWD Summary
  2004 CWD Summary
  2003 CWD Final Report

 2003 CWD Surveillance Information

 2002 CWD Surveillance is Complete!

Publications
    Chronic Wasting Disease And What It Means to You (2007 version)
    Chronic Wasting Disease Article - Chris Madson, et. al - Oct 2003

Links
  CWD Alliance Website
  World Health Organization 
  Center for Disease Control
  University of Wyoming State Vet Lab
  Department of Health
  Wyoming Department of Health CWD Fact Sheet