How to Identify Chronic Wasting Disease in Deer

Keeping an eye on your state's affected areas for any signs of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is crucial for the management and health of wildlife populations. If you live in a region where CWD has been reported, it's essential to stay informed and take appropriate actions, which may include submitting any harvested animals from affected counties for professional inspection and laboratory testing.

Chronic Wasting Disease is a contagious and fatal neurological disease affecting cervids such as white-tailed deer, mule deer, elk, and moose. It is characterized by a slow decline in health, leading to severe weight loss, altered behavior, and eventually death. If you suspect that a deer you've observed may be affected by CWD, it is important to be aware of the signs and to follow your state's guidelines for testing.

Behavioral Signs of CWD

The behavioral changes associated with CWD can be quite noticeable and alarming for observers. Diseased deer often exhibit uncharacteristic behaviors, which may vary depending on the stage of the disease:

Unsteady Gait: Deer with CWD may appear to 'walk like a drunk' or 'friendly,' showing no fear of humans and being unsteady on their legs. This can be particularly noticeable when they approach or are approached by humans. Increased Aggression: Affected deer may be more aggressive than usual, especially when approached or when there are humans nearby. This is in stark contrast to the normal skittish behavior of healthy deer, who typically flee quickly when encountered. Irregular Social Behavior: Deer with CWD may show decreased social interaction and lose some awareness of their surroundings. They may also become more dependent on humans, which is not a typical trait in wild animals.

Physical Signs of CWD

Chronic Wasting Disease is primarily identified through its physical manifestations. One of the most obvious signs is the progressive weight loss that occurs over time. This weight loss is a result of the disease's attack on the nervous system, leading to a gradual decline in overall health:

Progressive Weight Loss: Deer with CWD will often appear thinner and less robust than healthy deer. This is the primary physical sign and can be observed as a significant drop in body condition. Increased Urination and Drinking: Diseased deer may show abnormal thirst and frequent urination, which can be indicative of the disease's impact on the body. Excessive Salivation: Another common symptom is increased salivation, which can be noticeable in the wild as well. This is often ignored or misinterpreted as normal behavior in wildlife, so it's important to be aware of this sign.

What to Do if You Suspect CWD in a Deer

If you have observed a deer exhibiting any of the signs described above, it is important to report your findings to the appropriate authorities. Many states have testing programs in place where harvested animals from affected counties can be submitted for professional inspection and laboratory testing.

For example, in the state of Texas, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department provides resources and guidelines for reporting suspected cases of CWD. You can visit Texas Parks and Wildlife resources on the subject for more detailed instructions on how to proceed.

By staying vigilant and following these guidelines, you can help in the early detection and management of CWD, contributing to the overall health and sustainability of cervid populations.

Key Points:

Be aware of the behavioral symptoms, such as an unsteady gait, irregular social behavior, and increased aggression. Look for physical signs like progressive weight loss, increased drinking, urination, and excessive salivation. Report suspected cases to the appropriate wildlife authorities and follow local testing procedures.